SACRAMENTO – Today Gov. Gavin Newsom took a major step toward protecting maternal and fetal health by requiring prenatal multivitamin manufacturers to test for and publicly disclose levels of potentially harmful heavy metals in their products.
The new law comes amid growing alarm over the presence of the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in supplements intended for pregnant women.
Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) introduced SB 646, which the Environmental Working Group co-sponsored. The new requirements take effect on January 1, 2027.
A recent peer-reviewed study in Environmental Research found that the vast majority of 150 prenatal multivitamin products tested contained lead and cadmium. One multivitamin contained 900 parts per billion of lead.
“With Gov. Newsom’s signature, California has taken a monumental step to protect maternal and fetal health.” said Susan Little, EWG’s California legislative director.
“Even trace amounts can interfere with a baby’s brain development, raising the risk of lifelong health and learning problems,” she added. “It’s unacceptable that pregnant women are unknowingly exposed to toxic metals in the very supplements they take to protect their health and their baby’s health.”
The bill was also cosponsored by Unleaded Kids and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX.
Setting a state precedent
With the signing of SB 646, California becomes the first state to require routine tests and public disclosure of heavy metals in prenatal multivitamins, setting a precedent for stronger maternal health protections nationwide.
Disclosures must include the name and level of each heavy metal detected. The bill would also require vitamin labels to direct consumers to a website where the test results will be posted.
“It’s outrageous that prenatal multivitamins, which are meant to support healthy pregnancies, may contain toxic heavy metals,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG’s senior vice president for California.
“Thanks to Gov. Newsom’s signature, California is once again at the forefront of protecting maternal and infant health,” she said. “Consumers have a right to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies. SB 646 brings long-overdue transparency to the supplement industry, and peace of mind to families.”
‘Gold standard’ for public health
The law builds on the success of California’s Assembly Bill 899, which requires testing and disclosure of heavy metals in baby food. It was signed into law in 2023.
“California has a proud legacy of setting the gold standard for public health,” said Del Chiaro. “With the signing of SB 646, we’re extending that leadership to prenatal care, prioritizing the health of moms and babies over industry secrets.”
The recent peer-reviewed study, by researchers at the University of Miami, Clean Label Project and Ellipse Analytics, adds to a growing body of evidence about heavy metals in prenatal supplements. In addition to lead, the researchers detected heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium at levels of concern.
The findings echo a 2023 Government Accountability Office report, which found lead in half of the prenatal multivitamins sampled and cadmium in several others.
The levels did not top the Food and Drug Administration’s daily lead exposure limit of 8.8 micrograms for people of childbearing age. But research shows that even low levels of exposure can pose serious risks to fetal development.
The type of supplement makes a difference. Gummy and soft gel vitamins contained lead at levels below the limit of quantification, the study found. But most tablets and capsules contained measurable amounts of toxic metals.
Prenatal supplements must adhere to the FDA’s broader dietary supplement regulations.
“Right now, there’s no federal requirement even to test prenatal multivitamins for lead, cadmium, mercury or arsenic, let alone inform the public,” said Little. “That’s unacceptable. SB 646 ensures accountability from supplement makers.”
SB 646 sets clear, enforceable standards and requires greater industry transparency. It also gives families more confidence about protecting a developing fetus and helps them make informed decisions.
Doctors will also be able to use the disclosures to inform their patients about which supplements contain the lowest levels of heavy metals.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.