“Safe Baby Products Act”
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduces the "Safe Baby Products Act," which directs FDA to investigate cosmetics and personal care marketed to and used by children, according to April 29 release. Bill directs FDA "to test a wide range of children's personal-care products, publicly report the findings and establish good manufacturing practices to reduce or eliminate hazardous contaminants from products." The legislation responds to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics' "Toxic Tub" report, which analyzed and identified children's products containing suspected carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. At the time of the report's release, Gillibrand said she would explore legislation putting onus on FDA to more closely scrutinize baby products (1"The Rose Sheet" March 23, 2009, p. 3). Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., are co-sponsors. Lisa Archer of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states: "This bill is a good step forward. ... Next we need to overhaul cosmetics laws so the FDA can fully assess and assure the safety of all personal-care products.