Meng Reintroduces Legislation to Ban the Sale of Expired Baby Formula

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Kids Safety Caucus, reintroduced the Infant Formula Protection Act. The measure would prevent pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments from selling expired baby formula. Shockingly, this practice is not only legal but widespread, as there is no federal law to ban the sale of expired baby formula.

"It is mind boggling that in 2017 it is legal for stores to sell expired baby formula," said Meng. "As a parent, I find that reprehensible, and have introduced the Infant Formula Protection Act every term I've been in Congress to correct this glaring error in the law. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my commonsense legislation."

Expired baby formula puts infants at risk because the product loses its nutrient quality over time. Formula consumed after the expiration date may not provide babies with adequate nutrition for health and proper development.

Meng's bill, H.R. 2791, would make it illegal for retail establishments to sell baby formula after the product's "use by" date has passed. Stores that fail to comply could be fined up to $200,000. The measure is currently pending before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. A copy of the legislation can be found here.

The Congressional Kids Safety Caucus, launched shortly after Meng was elected to Congress in 2013, is the first bipartisan coalition in the House that promotes child-safety issues.