Safe Baby Formula Act of 2026
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9949, the Safe Baby Formula Act of 2026, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete a study, within one year of enactment, examining how arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead present in infant formula affect infant health. Separately, within 90 days of enactment, the bill would require the Secretary to establish evidence-based "action levels" — regulatory limits — for those four toxic metals in infant formula. In setting these limits, the Secretary would have to weigh how feasible compliance would be for manufacturers, the department's ability to enforce the limits on imported formula, and the potential impact on domestic food security. The bill defines "infant formula" using the existing definition in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The bill primarily affects infant formula manufacturers and importers, who would need to meet new federal limits on these substances, as well as HHS and the FDA, which would carry out the study and set the standards. Parents and caregivers of infants would be the intended beneficiaries, as the measure is aimed at reducing infant exposure to toxic heavy metals through formula.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett on July 27, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 27, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9949 do?
- H.R. 9949, the Safe Baby Formula Act of 2026, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete a study, within one year of enactment, examining how arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead present in infant formula affect infant health. Separately, within 90 days of enactment, the bill would require the Secretary to establish evidence-based "action levels" — regulatory limits — for those four toxic metals in infant formula. In setting these limits, the Secretary would have to weigh how feasible compliance would be for manufacturers, the department's ability to enforce the limits on imported formula, and the potential impact on domestic food security. The bill defines "infant formula" using the existing definition in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The bill primarily affects infant formula manufacturers and importers, who would need to meet new federal limits on these substances, as well as HHS and the FDA, which would carry out the study and set the standards. Parents and caregivers of infants would be the intended beneficiaries, as the measure is aimed at reducing infant exposure to toxic heavy metals through formula. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett on July 27, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 9949 become law?
- Not yet. As of 27 Jul 2026, H.R. 9949 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9949?
- H.R. 9949 was sponsored by Rep. Tom Barrett [R-MI7] (Republican-MI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9949?
- Introduced (27 Jul 2026).
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