Do Babies Face A Health Risk? Chuck Schumer Seeks Probe After Report Finds Heavy Metals In Baby Foods

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday that the federal government should launch a probe to examine a report that found arsenic and lead in baby food.

Schumer said that the Food and Drug Administration should do more to regulate the baby food industry, and that consumers "rightfully expect those foods to be undeniably safe, appropriately regulated and nutritiously sustaining."

The report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures said that out of 195 baby foods tested, "95% of baby foods tested contain toxic chemicals that lower babies' IQ, including arsenic and lead."

Some of the baby foods tested include fruit, vegetables, puffs, teething biscuits and infant cereals, among others. Brands include Gerber, Parent's Choice and Plum Organics.

"Our research shows that baby food companies need to take additional steps to reduce heavy metals in their products. This action is especially important for foods posing the greatest risk to baby's development, with arsenic in rice topping the list," the report continued. The report says that companies should try to find rice fields that have lower arsenic levels in their soil.

As of 2015, there are 22.9 million infants and toddlers in North America. The market size of the North American baby food industry was $4.45 billion in 2016.

The market size of the world baby food market is expected to surpass $33 billion by 2025.