INFANTS Act of 2025

Introduced on March 27, 2025 by Emilia Strong Sykes

This bill aims to make baby and toddler food safer. It defines “infant and toddler food” as food for children up to 24 months old, including infant formula. Companies must take samples of each product and test for contaminants like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic at least every quarter, using a written sampling plan and accredited labs, and keep detailed records for at least two years or the product’s shelf life . If a company doesn’t follow these rules, its food can be treated as unsafe under federal law. Officials can also require records electronically or on paper, even instead of an on‑site inspection.

There are extra rules for infant formula. If any in‑process or finished formula test confirms an environmental germ, the maker must notify the Secretary within 24 hours, work on safe disposal, and share test results and samples. The Secretary will check within 90 days that the company is fixing the problem. Powdered infant formula makers must also run a written, ongoing program to monitor their facilities for Cronobacter and Salmonella, with clear sampling locations, timing, and recordkeeping .

• Who is affected: Companies that make or process infant and toddler foods and powdered infant formula; the Secretary may add other foods by regulation.
• What changes: Regular contaminant testing with a written plan; stronger access to records; products counted as unsafe if companies don’t comply; faster reporting of positive formula tests; required environmental monitoring in formula plants .
• When: Guidance for sampling plans comes within 18 months. The testing rules start 180 days after that guidance. Environmental monitoring for formula plants starts 180 days after enactment. Reporting of positive formula tests must happen within 24 hours, and the Secretary reviews corrective actions within 90 days .