Created in January 2019 in partnership with Cornell University and the Environmental Defense Fund, the Baby Food Council (“Council”) is a group of infant and toddler food companies, supported by key stakeholders, seeking to reduce heavy metals in the companies’ products to as low as reasonably achievable using best-in-class management practices.
In addition to the founding food companies, Healthy Babies Bright Futures is a member of the Council. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets serve as technical advisors to the effort.
In 2020, the Baby Food Council completed a lab proficiency study leading to identification of labs capable of accurately and consistently detecting low levels of heavy metals in pureed baby foods. This study will allow data to be analyzed across multiple labs for purposes of establishing a baseline for heavy metals in fruits and vegetables and measuring improvement over time.
The Baby Food Council has initiated work on creation of a baby food standard and certification focused on identifying the best practices that can further minimize heavy metals in vegetables and fruits commonly used in baby foods. FoodChain ID facilitates development of the Baby Food Standard.
The Baby Food Council is a 501(c)(3) organization under the auspices of Companies for Causes. Further background on the rationale and development of the Council is in the May 2019 Charter. For the Council’s Antitrust Statement, click here.
