A new report conducted by Bloomberg Law highlights the ongoing problem with toxic metals in baby foods. After scientific studies, congressional investigations, and FDA promises, several baby foods still contain high levels of metals. These toxic heavy metals have been shown to impact babies’ mental and physical development. Bloomberg recently purchased 33 baby food products to test for toxic metals, and the results were alarming.
To better understand the widespread issue of harmful baby foods, Bloomberg tested 33 baby food products. The company purchased the baby foods from Amazon.com, online food providers, and Washington, D.C.-area grocery stores. Then Bloomberg enlisted the help of an independent laboratory (which wishes to remain anonymous) to analyze the products. Bloomberg’s findings show that toxic metals in baby food continue to be a pervasive problem.
The report involves popular baby food brands, including Gerber, Beech-Nut, Earth’s Best Organic, Plum Organics, Sprout Organics, Walmart (Parent’s Choice), Yumi, Happy Baby Organics, and Little Spoon.
Many of these brands were previously found to have high concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in the congressional report in 2021. Not much has changed nearly two years later. All but one of the 33 baby foods Bloomberg tested contained at least two heavy metals.
There are currently little to no limits established for heavy metals in baby food. Advocacy groups have criticized the FDA’s slow response to cracking down on these heavy metals in foods intended for infants and young children. Without stricter rules, manufacturers will continue to distribute products with significant levels of heavy metals.
Initially, the FDA and EPA only set limits for arsenic, lead, and cadmium in bottled water. These limits were:
Several baby foods in Bloomberg’s report greatly exceeded these levels. A few examples pulled from the report include:
At the time of the report, there were no standards for these heavy metals in baby foods. Recently, as part of the FDA’s Closer to Zero, the FDA released action levels for lead in baby foods. Yet, many argue these levels are too high and not comprehensive enough to make any real change.
Furthermore, in 2021, senators attempted to introduce the Baby Food Safety Act to bypass FDA regulations and speed up the process to make baby foods safe. The bill was never put to vote and has been dead in the water since.
Protecting babies from exposure to heavy metals in foods primarily falls on parents for now. Healthy Babies Bright Futures has offered tips for parents to limit toxic heavy metals in baby food:
Parents strive to create a safe and healthy environment for their children. Sadly, it has become increasingly difficult to shield your baby from toxic metals in baby food that may lead to lower IQ, autism, and developmental delays. Was your baby harmed by baby foods with high levels of toxic metals? A heavy metals baby food lawyer from The Lake Law Firm may be able to help you. Contact us today to start your potential claim.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529.