Panel debates baby‑food toxic‑metal bill, staffing needs and possible formula expansion

The Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry committee discussed a bill that would bar baby food sold in the state if it contains toxic heavy metals above limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, focusing on who would handle consumer complaints and whether the measure should be expanded to include infant formula.

The chair said the Joint Fiscal Office (JFO) had relayed a Department of Health (DOH) concern that implementation "could require adding a staff position" to handle incoming consumer reports and related duties, and that JFO would prepare a fiscal note to clarify possible costs. "The Department of Health was concerned that if the bill passed the way it's written today, that they would need to add a staff position," the chair said.

Why it matters: the committee must weigh the public‑health goal of reducing infants' exposure to toxic metals against the practical workload and budget implications for state agencies. Members discussed three main responses: direct the DOH to…