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Table Of Contents
- Target Recalls Baby Food Over Lead Contamination
- Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Baby Food: Immediate and Long-Term Impacts
- Which Baby Food Brands Contain Toxic Metal?
- Which Baby Food Doesn’t Contain Heavy Metals
- Legal Timeline of Baby Food Toxic Metals Lawsuits: Key Developments and Industry Impact
- Case Studies on Contaminants in Baby Food: Heavy Metals and Chemical Additives
- What are Pediatricians Saying?
- Who Qualifies for the Baby Food Toxic Metals Lawsuit?
- FAQs
- Get a Free Baby Food Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Target Recalls Baby Food Over Lead Contamination
In March 2025, a major baby food recall was announced by Fruselva USA, the manufacturer behind Target’s Good & Gather product line [2.]. Over 25,000 units of its vegetable puree baby food were pulled from shelves due to elevated levels of lead, a substance that poses serious health risks to infants and toddlers.
The specific product in question is the Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree, sold in 4-ounce containers. The recalled batches are marked with lot numbers 4169 and 4167, and best-by dates of December 7 and December 9, 2025. These products were intended for children six months and older.
FDA Class II Recall Signals Health Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this recall as a Class II recall, meaning that while the product is unlikely to cause serious health issues, it may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
As of now, no illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled baby food. However, parents are urged to stop using the affected product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund or contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
How to Identify Recalled Products
To determine if you have purchased a recalled batch, check your product for:
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Brand: Good & Gather (sold at Target)
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Product: Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree
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Packaging Size: 4-ounce container
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Lot Numbers: 4169 or 4167
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Best-By Dates: December 7 or December 9, 2025
If your product matches any of these identifiers, do not use it. Contact Target’s customer service or Fruselva USA for return and refund options.
Broader Concerns About Heavy Metals in Baby Food
This incident is part of a growing national concern over toxic metals in baby food, a problem that has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Multiple government reports and lawsuits have shown that various baby food brands have previously sold products containing dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
These substances are linked to:
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Developmental delays
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Reduced IQ
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Behavioral issues
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Neurological damage
Even small, repeated exposures to these metals during early development can result in long-term cognitive and physical harm.
What Parents Should Do
If you have purchased the recalled baby food:
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Stop using the product immediately
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Check the lot number and best-by date
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Report any adverse reactions to your pediatrician and the FDA’s MedWatch program
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Contact Target or Fruselva USA for refund instructions
What Can Toxic Metals do to Developing Babies?
It’s been clear for decades that levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury are dangerous to human health. But when it comes to young children, they’re even more dangerous.
They can harm a developing baby’s brain and nervous system, both in the womb and after birth. Arsenic, lead exposure, cadmium and mercury can negatively impact the brain development of an otherwise healthy baby.
In recent years, there have been at least 23 peer-reviewed studies underlining the dangers to young children when it comes to heavy metal exposure.
The common symptoms of exposure include:
- Loss of IQ
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Other learning and behavioral impacts
According to health advocates who studied data of national surveys of food contamination and consumption of American children aged 0 to 24 months, American children lose 11 million IQ points from exposure to arsenic and lead in these foods.
Rice-based foods also account for about 20% of this loss and 15 foods account for over half of this loss of IQ points.
Related Article: Infant Formula Recall NEC Lawsuit & Lawyers
Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Baby Food: Immediate and Long-Term Impacts
The presence of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in baby food poses a serious risk to infants and toddlers, affecting their cognitive development, behavior, and long-term health.
A 2019 Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) Report revealed that 95% of tested baby food products contained at least one of these heavy metals, and 1 in 4 products contained all four toxic elements [1].
The long-term consequences of exposure to these contaminants are profound, impacting a child’s intelligence and increasing their risk for chronic diseases.
Understanding the immediate effects, long-term health risks, and developmental consequences is crucial for parents and caregivers.
“Even in the trace amounts found in food, these contaminants can alter the developing brain and erodes a child’s IQ,” the researchers said. “The impacts add up with each meal or snack a baby eats. Fresh research continues to confirm widespread exposures and troubling health risks for babies, including cancer and lifelong deficits in intelligence from exposures to these common food contaminants. Despite the risks, with few exceptions there are no enforceable limits for toxic elements in contaminated baby food.”
Immediate vs. Long-Term Effects of Heavy Metal Exposure
Exposure to heavy metals in baby food can have both immediate and long-term consequences, with the effects varying based on the duration and intensity of exposure.
While some symptoms may appear soon after ingestion, others accumulate silently over time, leading to permanent developmental and health complications.
Recognizing these risks early is crucial for minimizing harm and ensuring appropriate intervention.
Immediate Health Effects
Heavy metals can cause early neurotoxic effects, which may be subtle at first but accumulate over time.
Some children may experience:
- Behavioral changes such as irritability or difficulty concentrating.
- Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea or vomiting in response to acute exposure.
- Early cognitive delays, which may appear as slower responses to stimuli or mild motor dysfunction.
Long-Term Health Risks
Continuous exposure to heavy metals in food has severe cumulative effects on developing children:
- Reduced IQ and cognitive impairment: Even low levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium can lower intelligence and slow learning capacity.
- Increased cancer risk: Arsenic exposure is linked to higher rates of lung and bladder cancer later in life.
- Organ damage: Chronic exposure to cadmium and mercury can cause kidney disease, liver toxicity, and anemia.
- Higher risk of behavioral disorders: Lead and mercury have been associated with attention deficits, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in school-aged children.
Heavy Metal Exposure Risks by Age Group
Infants and toddlers are most vulnerable due to their developing brains and high food intake relative to body weight. Even small, consistent exposures have lifelong consequences.
Infants (0–12 Months)
- Most vulnerable age group due to rapid brain growth.
- Higher risk of neurodevelopmental delays and learning impairments.
- Increased susceptibility to infections and immune deficiencies.
- Potential Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk if exposure occurs in utero.
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
- Ongoing brain development means continued vulnerability to cognitive harm.
- Learning disabilities, speech delays, and memory deficits may become more noticeable.
- Behavioral issues such as irritability, impulsivity, and hyperactivity become more apparent.
- Accumulated exposure increases risks of permanent brain damage.
Heavy Metals and IQ Loss: The Widespread Impact
The long-term effect of heavy metal exposure in baby food has been statistically linked to IQ loss. Studies estimate that affected children in the U.S. have lost a combined 11 million IQ points due to cumulative exposure.
A key concern is that 88% of baby foods tested lack any federal standards on safe levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, or mercury. The 2019 HBBF Report tested 168 baby food products from major brands like Gerber, Earth’s Best, Beech-Nut, and popular store brands.
Shocking findings included:
- 83% of tested foods contained lead above the 1-ppb limit recommended by public health experts.
- 1 in 5 baby foods contained over 10 times that amount.
- 4 out of 7 infant rice cereals tested exceeded the FDA’s proposed arsenic limit of 100 parts per billion (ppb).
Timeline of Developmental Impacts from Heavy Metal Exposure
The damage caused by heavy metals accumulates over time, making it essential to limit exposure as early as possible.
1. Prenatal Exposure (During Pregnancy)
- Heavy metals pass through the placenta, increasing risks of SIDS, low birth weight, and birth defects.
2. Infancy (0–12 months)
- Babies consume baby food frequently, maximizing exposure risk.
- Signs of early neurotoxicity, such as delayed milestones, may appear.
3. Toddlerhood (1–3 years)
- Continued exposure can lead to behavioral disorders, memory problems, and hyperactivity.
- Learning disabilities may become noticeable as toddlers struggle with language development and problem-solving.
4. School-Age Years and Beyond
- The cumulative damage is evident, with reduced IQ, attention difficulties, and higher rates of learning disabilities.
- Later in life, exposure has been linked to increased cancer risks, organ failure, and cognitive decline.
What Can Parents Do?
Given the lack of federal regulations, parents must take steps to reduce exposure to heavy metals in baby food:
- Choose Whole Foods: Homemade purees made from low-risk ingredients (e.g., bananas, avocados) may be safer.
- Avoid Rice-Based Baby Foods: Rice cereal often has high arsenic levels. Opt for alternatives like oatmeal or barley.
- Diversify the Diet: Reducing dependence on a single food source minimizes heavy metal accumulation.
- Check for Safety Reports: Look for updates from organizations like the Healthy Babies Bright Futures coalition or FDA recommendations.
The widespread presence of heavy metals in baby food is a major public health concern with permanent consequences for cognitive and physical health.
Despite decades of research highlighting the risks, baby food manufacturers continue to sell products with dangerous contamination levels, and federal safety limits remain largely unenforced.
With 95% of baby foods tested containing toxic elements, parents must stay informed and proactive about reducing their child’s exposure. More importantly, stronger regulatory policies and stricter safety limits are urgently needed to protect future generations from preventable harm.
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Which Baby Food Brands Contain Toxic Metal?
Legal Timeline of Baby Food Toxic Metals Lawsuits: Key Developments and Industry Impact
The legal battle over toxic metals in baby food has intensified in recent years, with congressional investigations, lawsuits, and regulatory actions shaping the landscape.
This timeline highlights the major events in the ongoing litigation, from the initial discovery of contamination to the latest legal proceedings.
2019: Congressional Investigation Begins
- November:
The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy launches an investigation into heavy metal contamination in baby food. The committee requests internal documents and test results from major manufacturers to assess the extent of toxic exposure.
2021: Congressional Report & Lawsuits Emerge
- February:
A congressional report exposes high levels of toxic metals—including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury—in baby foods from well-known brands.
The FDA and WHO confirm these heavy metals pose severe health risks, particularly to infants and young children. Even low exposure levels can lead to irreversible brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- March:
Parents of affected children file lawsuits against baby food manufacturers, seeking compensation for neurodevelopmental harm caused by toxic metal exposure. Plaintiffs request that cases be consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
- June 7:
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) denies the consolidation request, citing that cases involve defendant-specific issues, making them too complex to group into one lawsuit.
At a general level, these actions are similar. All plaintiffs allege that defendants knowingly sold baby food products containing heavy metals and did not disclose this in their marketing. It is not disputed, though, that each defendant manufactures, markets, and distributes its own baby food products subject to different manufacturing processes, suppliers, and quality control procedures. –The U.S. Judicial Panel
2023–2024: Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and Major Legal Action
- April 11, 2024:
A major shift occurs when all federal toxic baby food lawsuits are consolidated into Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of California under Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. This consolidation streamlines the pre-trial process for families suing major baby food brands.
- July 22, 2024:
Lead plaintiff attorneys file a Master Complaint, officially outlining allegations against top baby food manufacturers. The lawsuit claims these companies knowingly sold products contaminated with toxic heavy metals, leading to increased risks of autism and ADHD.
- August 18 & August 22, 2024:
A Florida family files a lawsuit against multiple baby food manufacturers, alleging negligence and failure to warn consumers about the risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Judge Corley sets discovery deadlines, allowing plaintiffs to gather evidence and manufacturers to respond.
The claims against each defendant thus are likely to rise or fall on facts specific to that defendant, such as the amount of heavy metals in its products, the results of its internal testing, if any, and its marketing strategies. ” -The U.S. Judicial Panel
2025: Expanding Lawsuits & Regulatory Changes
- January 1, 2025:
Maryland’s “Rudy’s Law” goes into effect, requiring mandatory testing for toxic heavy metals in baby food. This is one of the first state laws addressing the issue.
- January–February 2025:
A family in Indianapolis files a lawsuit, claiming their child’s autism diagnosis was linked to prolonged exposure to contaminated baby food. More lawsuits are added to the MDL, increasing pressure on manufacturers to either settle or proceed to trial.
Upcoming Events: Legal Battles Ahead
- January–July 2025:
Early bellwether trials may begin, helping to set precedents for future settlements and verdicts. These cases will be closely watched as they may determine how much manufacturers are willing to pay in compensation.
- Ongoing Investigations:
Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and state governments, continue testing baby food for toxic metals, possibly leading to stricter safety regulations in the near future.
For affected families, staying informed about legal deadlines and eligibility criteria is essential, as ongoing cases may result in significant compensation for those impacted by toxic heavy metals in baby food
Beech-Nut Infant Rice Cereal Recall
In June 2021, Beech-Nut Nutrition issued a recall for its cereal because it contained levels of arsenic above federal guidelines.
In the recall notice posted on the FDA website, Beech-Nut also announced it will no longer sell the rice cereal and says it has “decided to exit the market for Beech-Nut branded Single Grain Rice Cereal.”
“Beech-Nut is concerned about the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level and Beech-Nut specifications for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic,” the company said.
Beech-Nut’s move followed a House Oversight subcommittee investigation that found levels of arsenic, lead and other metals that can harm brain development in many popular baby foods.
Rocket Fuel Chemical Found in Baby Food
Perchlorate, a chemical used in the creation of rockets, fireworks and matches, has also been found in baby foods. In 2005, Perchlorate was approved by the FDA as an “indirect additive” in plastic packaging for foods and today is used as an anti-static agent in cereals, infant formula, and other baby food.
Grains become staticky when ground very small and packaged, so food companies started adding perchlorate to the inside of plastic packaging walls to solve that problem.
Perchlorate disrupts thyroid function and blocks the uptake of iodine to the thyroid. When this happens in utero or in early childhood, IQ loss and development issues become very possible.
In 2020, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement that food additives like perchlorate were dangerous to children and should not be approved by the FDA.
These results show a prevalence of perchlorate in baby food and underline the need for the FDA to ban all food uses of perchlorate in baby food. Babies are already getting heavy metals in their baby food, and perchlorate isn’t a helpful chemical in terms of neurodevelopment for American children.
What are Pediatricians Saying?
Pediatricians warn consumers about the danger of heavy metals in toxic baby food.
Arsenic, lead and other heavy metals are known causes of neurodevelopmental harm.Low-level exposures add up, and exposures in early life are especially dangerous. The cumulative impact of exposures is what makes this a significant concern that demands action.”- Dr. Phillip Landrigan, a pediatrician and Director of the Program in Global Public Health and the Common Good in the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College.
Who Qualifies for the Baby Food Toxic Metals Lawsuit?
Families seeking compensation for the harmful effects of toxic metals in baby food must meet specific eligibility criteria.
This section outlines the necessary qualifications, documentation, and medical requirements to file a claim, ensuring that affected children receive the justice they deserve.
Age and Diagnosis Requirements
- Child’s Birth Date: The child must have been born on or after January 1, 2007 to be eligible for the lawsuit.
- Diagnosis Timeline: The child must have been diagnosed with autism or another qualifying neurodevelopmental disorder before the age of 14.
Proving Baby Food Exposure
Establishing a connection between the child’s condition and baby food consumption is crucial.
Claimants must provide:
- Proof of Consumption: Documentation showing the child regularly consumed products from affected brands for at least six months.
- Receipts and Product Labels: Proof of purchase, including store receipts or preserved product packaging, strengthens the claim.
- Food Diaries or Medical Records: Keeping track of feeding patterns and food exposure can support a case.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Children diagnosed with the following conditions may be eligible for compensation:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Kanner’s syndrome (classic autism)
- Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS)
Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Some cases involving ADHD may also qualify.
Medical Evidence Required
A successful claim requires extensive medical documentation, including:
- A formal diagnosis from a qualified physician.
- Neurodevelopmental assessments showing cognitive or behavioral delays.
- Growth charts and medical history tracking developmental progress.
- Family medical history to rule out hereditary conditions.
Time limits for filing lawsuits vary by state, making it essential to act quickly. Since statutes of limitations can be strict, families should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine their eligibility and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Who is NOT Eligible to File?
Some factors may disqualify a child from participating in the lawsuit, including:
- Pre-term birth (before 37 weeks gestation).
- Low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds at birth).
- Diagnosis of genetic syndromes such as Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis.
- Previous involvement in similar lawsuits.
If you believe your child meets the eligibility criteria, consulting with a legal expert in toxic exposure cases is the next critical step.
Attorneys specializing in product liability and toxic baby food claims can help determine if you qualify and guide you through the legal process.
This lawsuit aims to hold manufacturers accountable for exposing children to unsafe levels of heavy metals in baby food, ensuring families receive compensation for medical costs, developmental therapies, and other damages.
Check our blog to see other related product liability lawsuits that we’ve covered.
FAQs
Who can file a lawsuit related to toxic metals in baby food?
Parents or guardians of children who have consumed contaminated baby food and suffered health effects can file a lawsuit. Consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in product liability cases.
What compensation can be sought in a baby food toxic metals lawsuit?
Compensation can include medical expenses, costs for developmental therapies, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if negligence is proven.
Can I join a class-action lawsuit if my child has been affected by toxic metals in baby food?
Yes, if a class-action lawsuit is filed, affected individuals can join. Contact a lawyer to discuss joining a class action or filing an individual claim.
Get a Free Baby Food Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in a Baby Food Lawsuit. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if your child or other loved one was harmed by baby food, you should contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a Baby Food Lawsuit and we can help.