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Experts and state officials debate whether infant formula should be included in Vermont baby-food heavy-metals bill
Summary
At a Senate Health & Welfare hearing, industry witnesses urged excluding infant formula from H536 pending FDA guidance, while the attorney general and public-health experts urged inclusion or careful triggers and clearer authority; committee will seek drafting changes and return to the bill.
The Senate Health & Welfare committee heard competing testimony on H536, a bill that would require testing and transparency for heavy metals in baby food and (potentially) infant formula. Committee members did not vote; they asked staff and witnesses for drafting suggestions and said they will revisit the measure after receiving written language and further data.
Why it matters: Proponents say transparency and testing can reduce children's exposure to arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium and can create market incentives for companies to lower contaminants. Opponents or cautious witnesses warned that infant formula is a distinct, tightly regulated product and that including it now could confuse consumers or reduce access for…
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