The safety of baby and toddler food is receiving increased attention as governments tighten regulations and industry standards evolve. In the U.S., California has enacted a new law requiring baby food manufacturers to disclose lead, mercury, and arsenic levels, reinforcing transparency and accountability. Some companies voluntarily align with EU safety benchmarks, which impose stricter contaminant testing requirements. Meanwhile, a recent Dutch consumer TV program has intensified discussions on baby food safety regulations in the Netherlands.

At the EU level, Regulation 2016/127 establishes stringent criteria for contaminants in baby and toddler food, with maximum residue limits (MRLs) lower than those permitted in standard organic products. Beyond regulatory mandates, the market is also shifting due to consumer demand—68% of parents prioritize organic baby food to avoid pesticides and GMOs, and only 35% consider conventional food as equally safe (Sources: Organic Trade Association, NielsenIQ 2023).

The global baby food market continues to grow, with organic baby food projected to expand at a CAGR of 10.2% through 2030, outpacing conventional baby food at 4.8% CAGR (Statista, 2023). As regulatory requirements become more rigorous, baby food manufacturers must ensure:

• Comprehensive contaminant testing: advanced screening methods for pesticides (detection as low as <0.003 mg/kg for some substances), heavy metals, and toxins (including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and patulin) to meet global safety standards.
• Supply chain integrity: controlled sourcing with buffer zones, rigorous soil and water testing, and strict exclusion of high-risk agricultural regions to minimize contamination risks.
• Traceability & compliance: Full oversight of raw materials, ensuring that ingredients meet maximum residue levels and other international safety benchmarks.

With 100% testing of incoming goods, a rigorously assessed supplier network, and long-standing expertise in baby food ingredients, we help brands navigate evolving regulations while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

Our baby food ingredients offering includes:

Want to discuss how we can support your baby food sourcing needs? Let’s connect.