New TSA rules aim to keep infant food uncontaminated at checkpoints

What does this do?

S 260 directs the TSA to issue updated screening guidelines within 90 days covering how officers must handle breast milk, baby formula, infant water, and juice without contaminating them. The guidelines must be developed with input from maternal health organizations and reviewed every five years. Within one year, the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General must audit whether security personnel are following the hygiene rules and how screening technologies affect these items.

Who does it affect?

The law applies to TSA officers and private airport security screeners who handle infant food items at checkpoints. It directly affects parents and caregivers traveling through U.S. airports with babies or young children.

Why does it matter?

The law builds on a 2016 measure called the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act, indicating prior rules were seen as insufficient. The required audit will also examine how often these items are blocked from passing through security, which may surface data on traveler impact.

Where does it stand?