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Committee approves bill requiring disclosure of toxic‑element testing for prenatal vitamins
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Summary
The Assembly committee advanced SB646, a bill that would require testing and disclosure for specified toxic elements in prenatal vitamins so clinicians and pregnant people can make informed choices.
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee advanced SB646, authored by Senator Sydney Weber Pearson, which would require testing and disclosure of certain toxic elements in prenatal vitamins.
Senator Weber Pearson and medical witnesses said prenatal vitamins are essential to fetal and maternal health, but testing has found contaminants such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury in some products. Dr. Sarah Kershner, an OB‑GYN testifying for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX, told the committee that low‑level exposure to heavy metals can harm fetal development and that clinicians need reliable information: “We cannot allow the very vitamins that are intended to protect maternal and fetal health to become a hidden source of harm,” she said.
Environmental Working Group witness Ryan Spencer and other supporters described the proposal as a transparency measure that would let consumers and clinicians compare products and choose lower‑contaminant options. Industry groups including the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association said they support testing in principle but remained concerned about disclosure format and unintended consequences. They urged contextual language so consumers would not avoid prenatal vitamins or lose access to nutrients; sponsors and industry described ongoing negotiations and work on disclosure text.
Committee members questioned testing methods, solubility and how natural trace elements in raw materials would be described on labels. Senator Weber Pearson and supporters said the bill is designed to require testing and transparent disclosure while avoiding discouraging the appropriate use of prenatal vitamins; proponents and opposition reported productive discussions about a disclosure approach.
The committee recorded that the motion to pass SB646 and refer it to Appropriations passed (committee summary indicated the measure passed and would be left open for absent members). Sponsors said they would continue discussions with industry on disclosure language.
