In 2019, the nonprofit group Healthy Babies Bright Futures published the results of a study which found that 95% of baby foods contained potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment, but various human activities have elevated their levels and concentrations. Excess exposure for developing infants can be devastating. Some baby foods exceeded the “safe exposure level” guidelines issued by the FDA by up to 70 times.
Ingestion of heavy metals has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD, among others; lower IQ; higher cancer risk; liver damage; kidney disease; and bone disorders. Product liability claims have been filed against Gerber, Beech-Nut, Happy Baby, Earth’s Best Organic, Plum Organics, Parent’s Choice, Sprout Organic Foods, and some store brands.
In 2021, a House of Representatives committee conducted a congressional investigation of baby food manufacturers. Baby food manufacturer documents and test results were requested; several companies complied. The committee concurred with the Healthy Babies Bright Futures conclusions, adding that these adverse health effects could lead to diminished future economic productivity and an increased risk of later antisocial behavior.
Even more disturbing was the finding that the baby food manufacturers knew or reasonably should have known that their products were contaminated to the point of being hazardous for human consumption … but sold them anyway, without warning.
Product liability claims against baby food manufacturers are ongoing. If you believe your child has been injured due to heavy metals found in baby foods, contact our firm for the skilled and thoughtful guidance you need on the matter.
