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Baby food recalls 2018


Baby Food Products Recall 2022: Are There Harmful Chemicals & Toxic Metals In Your Baby’s Food? Gerber, Happy Baby, Beechnut, etc.

Overview

Did you know that 95% of baby food products contain harmful chemicals and toxic metals — and many are from the most popular brands? (1)(2)

These baby foods contain dangerously high levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Exposure to these heavy metals can cause permanent damage to your baby’s brain development. It may lead to IQ decrease and antisocial behavior. (3)(4)

Have these contaminated products been recalled? Did the baby food makers solve the problem and compensate the affected consumers?

Read on to get answers to your baby food recall concerns.

Baby Formula Recall & Shortage 2022

Update: May 11, 2022

Baby Formula Shortage 2022

Although prepared in liquid form, infant formula is also baby food.

That’s why the baby formula shortage of 2022 makes parents worried, especially after recent reports from research firm Datasembly showed that the nationwide out-of-stock rate has reached 43%. (5)

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as many as 75% of babies in the US are likely given formula products by six months of age. (6)

Worried parents and caregivers are having a difficult time finding stocks, especially because formula retailers are also rationing available supplies.

Many areas, such as Texas and West Virginia, temporarily expanded the WIC program (Women, Infants and Children) to include other formula brands. (7)(8)

The baby formula shortage began during the pandemic and was first attributed to supply chain issues. However, the massive recall of Similac products worsened the shortage.

Similac Infant Formula Recall 2022

In February 2022, Abbott Nutrition issued two recall announcements after their products were linked to Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella infection, which led to several hospitalizations and two infant deaths. (9)

The company also received multiple consumer complaints of infants getting sick after taking the formulas.

Infant formula products that are part of the recall: (10)

  • First recall: Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas
  • Second recall: One lot of Similac PM 60/40, with lot number 27032K80 (can) or 27032K800 (case)

Liquid formulas aren’t included in the recalled products.

Ingestion of infant formula contaminated with Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella can lead to meningitis and sepsis. Symptoms can include the following: (9)

  • Temperature changes
  • Grunting breaths
  • Unusual movements
  • Irritability
  • Poor feeding or no appetite
  • Jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes)

Newborns and young babies are more prone to experiencing serious symptoms. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

Although the infant deaths were determined to be due to Cronobacter Sakazakii infection, Abbott Nutrition maintains that the strains found in the investigation of the bacterial infections don’t match those in their facility in Sturgis, Michigan, and the recalled products. (10)

Alarming 2021 Government Report Findings

In February 2021, a congressional report by the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy called out major baby food manufacturers for selling products tainted with dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals. (2)

Which Baby Food Brands Are Toxic?

These name brands were listed:

  • Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY and HappyTOT)
  • Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)
  • Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)
  • Gerber
  • Campbell’s Plum Organics
  • Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)
  • Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

Eight months later, the same subcommittee released a second baby food report in September 2021.

This follow-up report found that many of the same brands called out previously were still producing and under-reporting baby products that tested at much higher levels than considered safe.

Is There A Recall On Gerber Baby Food 2021?

What’s more concerning, companies such as Gerber failed to disclose these alarming results to the public and kept these tainted products on the market thereby failing to protect consumers. (2)

Spearheading the subcommittee reports is Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who released this statement on his official Instagram page:

“My Subcommittee’s investigation has pulled back the curtain on the baby food industry, and each revelation has been more damning than the last.

I’ve released a new report on toxic metals in baby food, including popular brands such as Gerber’s Infant Rice Cereal products containing dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic.

We trust these companies with our babies, and they have failed us.”

Is There A Baby Food Recall 2021?

Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal

  • Date Recalled: October 08, 2021
  • Reasons For Recall: The products tested above government standards for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic (11)
  • Company: Maple Island Inc.
  • Return or Refund Processing: Call 1-800-369-1022 or email at [email protected]

Affected products are 8-oz. packages of Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal (UPC number 00681131082907) from these lots: (11)

  • Lot 21083 with a best-if-used-by date of June 24, 2022
  • Lot 21084 with a best-if-used-by date of June 25, 2022
  • Lot 21242 with a best-if-used-by date of November 30, 2022

No illnesses have been reported in this recall and no other Parent’s Choice products have been affected. (11)

Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal

  • Date Recalled: June 8, 2021
  • Company Name: Beech-Nut
  • Reasons For Recall: High arsenic levels
  • Affected Products: UPC Code# 52200034705; Product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX; Expiration date 01 MAY 2022 (12)
  • Return or Refund Processing: www.beechnut.com/ricecereal or 1-866-272-9417

Statement from Jason Jacobs, Beech-Nut’s vice president for food safety and quality: (13)

“The safety of infants and children is Beech-Nut‘s top priority. We are issuing this voluntary recall because we learned through routine sampling by the State of Alaska that a limited quantity of Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal products had levels of naturally-occurring inorganic arsenic above the FDA guidance level, even though the rice flour used to produce these products tested below the FDA guidance level for inorganic arsenic.”

Peppa Pig Chocolate Chip Cookies Gable Box

  • Date Recalled: May 20, 2021
  • Company Name: Primary Colors Design Corp.
  • Reasons For Recall: Undeclared egg content (allergen)
  • Affected Products: UPC 84512050159; lot 091820; expiration date 09/18/2021 (14)
  • Return or Refund Processing: [email protected] or 419-903-0403

What Baby Food Brands Are Being Recalled?

  • Parent’s Choice
  • Beech-Nut
  • Peppa Pig

There have also been food recalls in 2020 and previous years:

Baby Food Recall 2020

Lidl Lupilu Pouches (UK)

  • Date Recalled: February 12, 2020
  • Company Name: Lidl
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible presence of mold (15)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Return to store for a refund

Affected Products (all batches/lots of these Lupilu pouches):

  • Apples & Strawberries, Stage 1
  • Bananas & Apples, Stage 1
  • Banana & Peaches, Stage 1
  • Apples, Carrots, & Parsnips, Stage 1
  • Butternut Squash, Apples, Carrots & Prunes, Stage 1
  • Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Apples & Blueberries, Stage 1
  • Organic Apple, Stage 1
  • Banana Yoghurt with Oats & Rice, Stage 2
  • Banana, Blueberries, & Rice, Stage 2
  • Mango Yoghurt with Oats & Rice, Stage 2

Cow & Gate Baby Food Jars (UK)

  • Date Recalled: January 25, 2020
  • Company Name: Cow & Gate; Tesco
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible tampering of these products in Tesco stores in the UK (United Kingdom). (16)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Tesco Customer Services (0800-917-6897) or Cow & Gate (0800-977-8880).

Affected Products (all batches/lots of Cow & Gate 7+ months variants in 200g jars):

  • Butternut Squash Chicken & Pasta
  • Courgette & Hake Rice
  • Creamy Cauliflower Cheese
  • Garden Pea & Turkey
  • Potato Spinach & Beef
  • Potato & Turkey Roast
  • Spaghetti Bolognese
  • Succulent Pork Casserole
  • Tasty Cottage Pie
  • Tomato & Courgette Pasta
  • Yummy Harvest Chicken
  • Apple Crumble
  • Banana Crumble
  • Peach Apple & Kiwi
  • Rice Pudding

Baby Food Recall 2019

Herbal Tea for Infants by Mountain Mel’s

  • Date Recalled: August 29, 2019
  • Company Name: Mountain Mel’s Essential Goods, LLC
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible contamination with Salmonella (bacteria that causes fever, diarrhea, and muscle cramps). (17)
  • Return or Refund Processing: [email protected] or 503-564-9135.

Affected Products (all stamped with “best before date: 7/2021”):

  • The Milk Lady’s Tea; UPC 7-99632-05658-4 with LOT# ML6271950
  • Peaceful Baby Herbal Tea; UPC 7-99632-05656-0 with LOT# PB781950
  • Diges-Teas Herbal Tea; UPC 7-99632-05665-2 with LOT# DT7619100

Heinz Turkey Stew 8+ Baby Food (Canada)

  • Date Recalled: August 16, 2019
  • Company Name: Kraft Heinz Canada
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible presence of insects
  • Affected Products: UPC 0-572200-6; product code 2021JN04 (18)
  • Return or Refund Processing: [email protected] or 1-866-572-3809

Cow & Gate Cheesy Broccoli Bake, Stage 3 (UK)

  • Date Recalled: May 13, 2019
  • Company Name: Cow & Gate
  • Reasons For Recall: May contain small pieces of blue rubber (19)
  • Affected Products: Batch code 28122020, best before date: 28 December 2020
  • Return or Refund Processing: live chat at www. cgbabyclub.co.uk/contact-us or call 0800-977-4000

Baby Food Recall 2018

Love Child Organics (Canada)

  • Date Recalled: May 26, 2018
  • Company Name: CGL FDS, Greenspace Brands Inc.
  • Reasons For Recall: Packaging defects may allow entry of spoilage microorganisms (20)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Return to the store where you got them.

Affected Products (all with best before date code: 2019MA25):

  • Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potato + Kale; UPC 85886000170
  • Veggie Casserole with Lentils + Quinoa; UPC 85886000171
  • Ratatouille with Lentils + White Beans; UPC 85886000172
  • Pumpkin Risotto with Spinach + Chickpeas; UPC 85886000173
  • Mango Chicken Stew with Spinach + Quinoa; UPC 85886000174
  • Thanksgiving Dinner with Veggies + Turkey; UPC 85886000175
  • Hearty Bolognese with Beef + Quinoa; UPC 85886000176

PC Organics Baby Food Recall (Canada)

  • Date Recalled: May 26, 2018
  • Company Name: CGL FDS, Greenspace Brands Inc.
  • Reasons For Recall: Packaging defects may cause spoilage (20)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Return to the store where you purchased them.

Affected Products (all strained baby foods with best before date code: 2019MA25):

  • Carrots; UPC 060383172800
  • Parsnip; UPC 060383172817
  • Peas; UPC 060383172824
  • Sweet Potatoes; UPC 060383172831
  • Vegetables & Turkey; UPC 060383174408
  • Fruity Chicken; UPC 060383174415
  • Spaghetti Bolognese; UPC 060383193201
  • Vegetable & Lentil; UPC 060383193218
  • Chicken Casserole; UPC 060383193225

Baby Food Recall 2017

Yummy Spoonfuls Chicken and Vegetable Products

  • Date Recalled: June 24, 2017
  • Company Name: Overhill Farms, Inc.
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible presence of crushed chicken bones (21)
  • Return or Refund Processing: (844)-986-6948

Affected Products:

  • Chicken & Carrot Bites; with best before dates 02/01/18, 02/09/18, & 4/26/2018.
  • Chicken & Sweet Potato Bites; with best before dates 02/01/18 & 02/09/18.
  • Chicken & Broccoli Bites; with best before dates 08/30/17, 02/20/18, & 4/10/18.

Fully Cooked Organic Chicken and Vegetable Products

  • Date Recalled: June 24, 2017
  • Company Name: Overhill Farms, Inc.
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible presence of crushed chicken bones (21)
  • Return or Refund Processing: (844)-986-6948

Affected Products:

  • Chicken & Vegetable Patty; case code 320422 with packaging date 08/30/16.
  • Chicken Patties with Carrots and Cauliflower; case code 320460 with packaging date 02/09/17.
  • Chicken Patties with Sweet Potatoes, Quinoa, and Peas; case code 320430 with packaging dates 02/09/17 and 04/25/17.

Gerber Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups

  • Date Recalled: March 08, 2017
  • Company Name: Gerber Products Company
  • Reasons For Recall: Undeclared egg allergen components on the product label. (22)
  • Affected Products: UPC code 159070
  • Return or Refund Processing: 1-800-510-7494

PC Organics Baby Food Recall (Canada & US)

  • Date Recalled: February 07, 2017
  • Company Name: Loblaw Companies Limited
  • Reasons For Recall: Manufacturing error may cause the growth of Clostridium botulinum (bacteria that causes food poisoning). (23)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Return to the store

Affected Products (all are strained baby foods or puree snacks)

  • Apple, Blueberry & Green Pea; UPC 060383062927
  • Apple Crisp Muffin flavor; UPC 060383137304
  • Apple, Carrot, Apricot & Millet; UPC 06038306996
  • Banana, Sweet Potato & Blueberry; UPC 06038305362
  • Apple; UPC 060383028404
  • Apple, Banana & Blueberry with Yogurt; UPC 06038304491
  • Apple, Banana & Strawberry with Yogurt; UPC 06038304488
  • Apple Cherry; UPC 06038302843
  • Sweet Potato, Apple and Mango; UPC 06038306294
  • Peach Maple Cobbler Flavour; UPC 060383137328
  • Banana Apple & Carrot; UPC 06038305363
  • Pumpkin, Apple, Peach & Buckwheat; 06038306995
  • Prune, Apple, Butternut Squash & Quinoa; UPC 06038306994
  • Pear; UPC 06038302842
  • Mango, Apple, Carrot & Peach; UPC 06038305369
  • Blackberry Cobbler Flavour; UPC 060383137311
  • Banana & Kiwi; UPC 060383028466
  • Mango; UPC 060383028411
  • Banana & Raspberry; UPC 060383054809
  • Banana, Apple, Apricot & Rice; UPC 06038305368
  • Banana Bread Flavour; UPC 060383135898
  • Pear, Apple and Broccoli; UPC 06038306291
  • Sweet Potato, Banana & Apricot; UPC 06038305366
  • Tropical Twist Smoothie with Greek Yogurt; UPC 060383154301
  • Banana, Mango & Apple with Yogurt; UPC 06038304489
  • Orange Twist Smoothie with Greek Yogurt; UPC 060383154318
  • Prunes; UPC 060383169633
  • Apple, Banana & Strawberry with Yogurt; UPC 060383184278
  • Sweet Potato, Apple and Mango; UPC 060383184292
  • Banana Apple & Carrot; UPC 060383184285
  • Mango; UPC 060383184308
  • Pear, Apple, and Broccoli; UPC 060383184261

Baby Food Recall 2016

H-E-B Baby Food Recall

  • Date Recalled: November 18, 2016
  • Company Name: H-E-B
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible contamination with rubber (24)
  • Return or Refund Processing: 1‑855‑432‑4438

Affected Products:

  • Banana Passion Fruit; UPC 4122081488
  • Banana Pineapple Mango; UPC 4122084761
  • Green Beans; UPC 4122005670
  • Banana Apple; UPC 4122000208
  • Green Beans Corn; UPC 4122005671
  • Banana; UPC 4122083207
  • Squash, Sweet Corn, & Tomato; UPC 4122066357
  • Pear, Carrot, & Blueberry; UPC 4122005673
  • Peas & Carrots; UPC 4122005685
  • Vegetable Chickpea Mix; UPC 4122005668
  • Banana, Carrot, & Mango; UPC 4122025540
  • Apple, Carrot, Pumpkin, & Zucchini; UPC 4122054253
  • Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, & Zucchini; UPC 4122066026
  • Peas; UPC4122005684
  • Apple; UPC 4122081487
  • Pear Pineapple, & Zucchini; UPC 4122018455
  • Pear, Peas, & Zucchini; UPC 4122079172
  • Sweet Potato; UPC 412200568

Gerber Organic 2ND FOODS Pouches

  • Date Recalled: March 24, 2016
  • Company Name:
  • Reasons For Recall: Packaging defects may result in product spoilage during transport and handling. (25)
  • Return or Refund Processing: 1-800-706-0556

Affected Products:

  • Pears, Carrots & Peas; best before dates July 12, 2016 (batch code 51945335XX), and July 13, 2016 (batch code 51955335XX)
  • Carrots, Apples & Mangoes; best before dates July 13, 2016 (batch code 51955335XX), and July 14, 2016 (batch code 51965335XX)

GoGo Squeez Applesauce Pouches

  • Date Recalled: March 2016
  • Company Name: Materne North America Corp.
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible contamination from food product residues (26)
  • Affected Products: Pouches with best before dates 12/4/15 to 3/4/17 and codes US01XXXX to US08XXXX.
  • Return or Refund Processing: 1-844-275-5841 or visit voucher.gogosqueez.com

Baby Food Recall 2015

Beech-Nut CLASSICS Sweet Potato & Chicken

  • Date Recalled: April 14, 2015
  • Company Name: Beech-Nut Nutrition, Amsterdam, New York
  • Reasons For Recall: Possible contamination with glass (27)
  • Affected Products: Product numbers 12395750815 through 12395750821; product expiry date DEC 2016
  • Return or Refund Processing: Return to store or call (518) 839-0300

Congressional Report On Toxic Baby Foods

The US Congress’ Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy requested test results from these seven popular baby food companies following reports alleging high levels of toxic heavy metals: (2)

  • Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY)
  • Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)
  • Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)
  • Gerber
  • Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics)
  • Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)
  • Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

According to the Congressional Report, Campbell, Walmart, and Sprout refused to cooperate.

So, the Subcommittee expressed concern that these baby food companies might be hiding higher levels of toxic elements in their products.

Nurture, Hain, Beech-Nut, and Gerber provided the House Subcommittee with their test results and internal product testing policies.

But the Subcommittee was alarmed after these baby food manufacturers reported test results of products containing very high levels of heavy metals:

  • Inorganic arsenic
  • Lead
  • Cadmium
  • Mercury

Their test results showed that the products had heavy metals several times the maximum allowable levels set by the FDA (U. S. Food and Drug Administration).

FDA maximum limits in ppb (parts per billion) for bottled water: (28)

  • 10 ppb inorganic arsenic
  • 5 ppb lead
  • 5 ppb cadmium

FDA maximum limits for infant rice cereal:

  • 100 ppb inorganic arsenic

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) maximum limit for drinking water (may also apply to food):

  • 2 ppb mercury

Instead of complying with regulators, these baby food manufacturers created internal standards that allowed dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals: (2)

  • Nurture (arsenic): 115 ppb
  • Beech-Nut (arsenic): 3,000 ppb
  • Beech-Nut (cadmium): 3,000 ppb
  • Beech-Nut (lead): 5,000 ppb
  • Hain (arsenic): 200 ppb
  • Hain (lead): 200 ppb
  • Hain (cadmium): 200 ppb

Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 180 ppb for Apple & Broccoli Puffs
  • Up to 160 for Banana & Pumpkin Puffs
  • Up to 160 for Strawberry & Beet Puffs
  • Up to 100 ppb for more than 25% of all Nurture products

Lead:

  • Up to 641 ppb for Blueberry Purple Carrot
  • Up to 560 ppb for Multi-Grain Cereal Canister
  • Up to 10 ppb for nearly 20% of all Nurture vegetable and rice products

Cadmium:

  • Up to 49 ppb in Multi-Grain Cereal Canister
  • Up to 36 ppb in Strawberry Raspberry
  • Up to 5 ppb in 65% of baby products

Mercury:

  • Up to 10 ppb in Brown Rice Cereal Canister
  • Up to 9. 8 ppb in Banana Sweet Potato

Findings/Response:

  • Nurture is the only baby food manufacturer that regularly tests finished products for heavy metals. The others only test ingredients.

In response to the investigation, Nurture told the Subcommittee: (2)

“Our heavy metal testing is performed as part of our monitoring program and not as a condition of product release. All of the products that were tested were sold into commerce.”

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 913.4 ppb in ingredients.
  • Over 300 ppb in additives used in their products

Lead:

  • Up to 886.9 ppb in ingredients.

Cadmium:

  • Up to 344.55 ppb in its ingredients.

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury.

Actions Taken:

  • Beech-Nut set very high internal maximum levels for heavy metals. So, all their ingredients passed their internal standards but actually failed government regulations and federal standards. (2)

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 129 ppb in baby products
  • Up to 309 ppb in ingredients
  • The company only tested their ingredients, not the finished products.

Lead:

  • Up to 352 ppb in ingredients (vitamin premix)

Cadmium:

  • Up to 260 ppb in ingredients

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury

Actions Taken:

  • Hain admits to the Subcommittee that they’re only using “theoretical calculations” on their test results. (2)

Gerber

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 90 ppb in tested ingredients from 67 batches of rice flour

Lead:

  • Up to 48 ppb in ingredients (sweet potatoes)

Cadmium:

  • Over 5 ppb in 75% of carrot ingredients
  • Up to 87 ppb in some carrot batches
  • The company doesn’t test the other ingredients for this heavy metal.

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury.

Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 3.1 ppb

Lead:

  • Up to 5.6 ppb

Cadmium:

  • Up to 2.3 ppb

Mercury:

  • Less than 0.142 ppb

Actions Taken:

  • Results are for Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food.
  • The results above are from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report. (1)
  • Campbell refused to submit actual test results or standards/criteria they used for the tests. Instead, the company provided a report that each product “meets criteria” to the Subcommittee.

Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 56.1 ppb in (A) Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack
  • Up to 108 ppb in (B) Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks

Lead:

  • Up to 5.2 ppb in (A)
  • Up to 26. 9 ppb in (B)

Cadmium:

  • Up to 26.1 ppb in (A)
  • Up to 2.4 ppb in (B)

Mercury:

  • Up to 0.941 ppb in (A)
  • Up to 2.05 ppb in (B)

Actions Taken:

  • The above results are from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report. (1)
  • Walmart didn’t submit test results to the Subcommittee.

Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 107 ppb

Lead:

  • Up to 39.3 ppb

Cadmium:

  • Up to 41.5 ppb

Mercury:

  • Up to 1.31 ppb

Actions Taken:

  • Results are for Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack – Apple Kale.
  • The results listed are from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report. (1)
  • Sprout never responded to the Subcommittee.

What Parents Should Know

  • Healthy Babies Bright Futures and other organizations call for baby food manufacturers to set a goal of zero levels of inorganic arsenic in all baby foods.
  • Consumer Reports suggest changing maximum inorganic arsenic levels to 3 ppb in baby foods. That’s lower than the current FDA and EPA limit of 10 ppb.
  • Consumer Reports also wants to lower cadmium limits to 1 ppb in fruit juices.

What Parents Can Do

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) advises offering your baby a variety of foods to reduce the levels of lead and other toxic heavy metals in their diet. (30)

Healthy Babies Bright Futures and Consumer Reports recommend the following healthier food options for young children: (1)

High-Risk Food: Snacks (including puffs) made from rice flour

Heavy Metals: Arsenic, lead, and cadmium

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Rice-free packaged snacks
  • Multi-grain snacks
  • Apples
  • Applesauce (unsweetened)
  • Bananas
  • Barley with diced vegetables
  • Beans
  • Cheese
  • Grapes
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Peaches
  • Yogurt

High-Risk Food: Rice rusks and teething biscuits

Heavy Metals: Arsenic, lead, and cadmium

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Frozen banana
  • Peeled and chilled cucumber

High-Risk Food: Single grain rice cereal

Heavy Metals: Arsenic

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Non-rice and multi-grain cereals
  • Oatmeal
  • Corn
  • Barley
  • Quinoa

High-Risk Food: Fruit juices from apple, pear, grape, and others

Heavy Metals: Lead and arsenic

Healthier Alternatives:

  • Tap water
  • Whole or pureed fruits (applesauce)

High-Risk Food: Carrots and sweet potatoes

Heavy metals: Lead and cadmium

Healthier Alternatives:

  • These vegetables are important in your baby’s diet.
  • They’re rich in vitamin A and other nutrients.
  • Limit your baby’s intake of these vegetables.
  • Serve these vegetables with others so they won’t be taken in excess.

Baby Food Safety Act Of 2021

US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) and Consumer Reports call on Congress to pass the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021. (29)

This law will require the FDA to adopt stricter limits for baby foods.

It will also require baby food manufacturers to test and disclose test results to parents and regulators.

Healthier Baby Food Brands

The following baby food brands are 100% safe, organic, and non-toxic:

  • Once Upon A Farm
  • Serenity Kids
  • Little Journey Organics
  • Yumi (subscription-based)
  • Little Spoon (subscription-based)

REFERENCES

(1) http://www.healthybabyfood.org/sites/healthybabyfoods.org/files/2019-10/BabyFoodReport_FULLREPORT_ENGLISH_R5b.pdf

(2) https://oversight. house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-04%20ECP%20Baby%20Food%20Staff%20Report.pdf

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570911/

(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418502/

(5) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/baby-formula-shortage-2022-states/

(6) https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/2020-Breastfeeding-Report-Card-H.pdf

(7) https://texaswic.org/about-wic/special-wic-food-updates

(8) https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/2022/Pages/WIC-Introduces-Additional-Flexibilities-Amid-Powdered-Infant-Formula-Recall.aspx

(9) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-consumers-not-use-certain-powdered-infant-formula-produced-abbott-nutritions-facility

(10) https://www.similacrecall.com/us/en/home.html

(11) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/maple-island-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-three-lots-parents-choice-rice-baby-cereal

(12) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-beech-nut-single-grain-rice-cereal-and

(13) https://www. goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/beech-nut-stop-selling-specific-baby-rice-cereal-78196121

(14) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/primary-colors-design-corp-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-peppa-pig-chocolate-chip-cookies

(15) https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-08-2020

(16) https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-03-2020

(17) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mountain-mels-essential-goods-llc-recalls-milk-ladys-herbal-tea-blend-peaceful-baby-herbal-tea-blend

(18) https://inspection.canada.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2019-08-16/eng/1566012117302/1566012119453?print=1#r08

(19) https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-20-2019

(20) https://inspection.canada.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2018-05-26/eng/1527371146055/1527371148679

(21) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/overhill-farms-inc.-recalls-chicken-products-due-possible-foreign-matter

(22) https://www. fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gerber-issues-allergy-alert-clarify-egg-labeling-cheese-ravioli-pasta-pick-upsr

(23) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-posting-canadian-food-inspection-agencys-recall-notice-alert-us-consumers-who-may-have-purchased

(24) https://www.heb.com/static-page/article-template/heb-baby-food-recall-nov-2016

(25) http://news.gerber.com/news/gerber-is-voluntarily-recalling-two-batches-of-gerberR-organic-2nd-foodsR-pouches

(26) https://www.gogosqueez.com/recall/

(27) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-recalls-baby-food-product-due-possible-foreign-matter

(28) https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements

(29) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/beech-nut-baby-food-recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/

(30) https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/05/01/parentplus-babyfoodmetal050121

Gerber Products, Baby Food & Snacks Recall

Overview

Did you know that exposure to toxic heavy metals can significantly affect your baby’s brain development? It could lead to a decrease in IQ and possible antisocial behavior in young children. (1)(2)

What’s alarming is that as much as 95% of baby food products from some of the most popular brands in the U.S. contain significant levels of mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. (3)

In tests commissioned by HBBF (Healthy Babies Bright Futures), toxic heavy metals were found in 95% of the 168 commercial baby foods tested. Many were at dangerous levels, higher than the limits set by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). (3)

In February and September 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy of the U.S. Congress released a detailed Congressional Report on toxic products prepared by seven popular baby food companies. (4)

What were the Subcommittee’s findings, and how did the companies respond? Which products contained high levels of toxic heavy metals?

Gerber Products Company was among the baby food manufacturers listed on the report. Over the years, Gerber had issued some baby food recalls. But did the new reports lead to a recall of the affected Gerber baby foods and snacks?

Continue reading to learn more.

Gerber Baby Food Recall

Despite being included in the Congressional Report, no Gerber baby food recall was issued afterward.

The rest of the baby food manufacturers mentioned in the report didn’t issue a recall either.

To date, only the following Gerber products have been recalled:

Gerber Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups (2017)

Back in 2017, Gerber Cheese Ravioli Pasta Pick-Ups were recalled, but not because of heavy metals.

  • Date Recalled: March 08, 2017
  • Reasons For Recall: Undeclared egg components (allergens) on the product label. (5)
  • Affected Products: UPC (Universal Product Code) 159070
  • Return or Refund Processing: Call 1-800-510-7494

Gerber Organic 2ND FOODS Pouches (2016)

  • Date Recalled: March 24, 2016
  • Reasons For Recall: Packaging defects that may result in product spoilage during handling and transport. (6)
  • Return or Refund Processing: Call 1-800-706-0556

Affected Products: (6)

  • Carrots, Apples & Mangoes; with best before dates: July 13, 2016 (batch 51955335XX), and July 14, 2016 (batch 51965335XX)
  • Pears, Carrots & Peas; with best before dates: July 12, 2016 (batch 51945335XX), and July 13, 2016 (batch 51955335XX)

Gerber In Subcommittee Congressional Reports On Toxic Baby Foods

The Subcommittee asked the following baby food manufacturers to submit test results of the products that reportedly have high levels of toxic heavy metals: (4)

  • Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY and Happy Family Organics)
  • Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)
  • Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)
  • Gerber Products Company
  • Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics)
  • Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)
  • Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

Of these seven companies, only Gerber, Nurture, Hain, and Beech-Nut submitted their test results and internal standards or testing policies to the Subcommittee. (4)

Walmart, Sprout, and Campbell refused to cooperate, according to the Congressional Report. (4)

However, despite complying with the request, the four companies alarmed the Subcommittee over test results that showed heavy metal levels were several times the FDA’s maximum allowable levels. (4)

FDA maximum limits in ppb or parts per billion for infant rice cereal: (7)

  • 100 ppb inorganic arsenic

FDA maximum limits in ppb for bottled water:

  • 5 ppb cadmium
  • 5 ppb lead
  • 10 ppb inorganic arsenic

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) maximum limit in ppb for drinking water (also applies to food):

  • 2 ppb mercury

The Subcommittee was alarmed that the companies didn’t correct the heavy metal levels in their raw materials and finished products. Instead, these baby food companies created internal standards with increased limits. (4)

According to their new reports, these companies’ finished products passed because they have higher limits for their internal standards. Yet, the actual results are still several times higher than the FDA standards.

The state of Alaska independently tested Gerber baby food products and found dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic in their infant rice cereals.

The second Congressional report on baby food revealed that despite Alaska’s test results Gerber failed to notify the public and also failed to pull those products from the market.

As head of the congressional subcommittee, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi states:

“My Subcommittee’s investigation has pulled back the curtain on the baby food industry, and each revelation has been more damning than the last.

I’ve released a new report on toxic metals in baby food, including popular brands such as Gerber’s Infant Rice Cereal products containing dangerous levels of inorganic arsenic.

We trust these companies with our babies, and they have failed us.”

The following are the affected baby food products, based on test results submitted by the companies or third party organizations: (4)

Gerber Products Company

The company declared to the Subcommittee that it doesn’t test the finished products for heavy metal content. Only the raw materials are tested. (4)

Mercury:

  • The company doesn’t test for mercury.

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 90 ppb in ingredients from rice flour (67 batches)

Lead:

  • Up to 48 ppb in ingredients from sweet potatoes

Cadmium:

  • Over 5 ppb in 75% of ingredients from carrots
  • Up to 87 ppb in some tested carrot batches
  • The company doesn’t test the other raw materials or ingredients for this heavy metal.

Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY And Happy Family Organics)

Of all the baby food manufacturers in the Congressional Report, only Nurture regularly tests ingredients and finished products for heavy metals.

Despite the high levels of heavy metals in their finished products, Nurture admitted that the test results aren’t used as a basis for product release. (4)

In response to the investigation, the company wrote to Subcommittee Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi that heavy metal testing is only done for its internal monitoring program under the company policy. It sold all the tested items, whether they passed or failed. (4)

Mercury:

  • Up to 9.8 ppb in the finished product (Banana Sweet Potato)
  • Up to 10 ppb in the finished product (Brown Rice Cereal Canister)

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 100 ppb for over 25% of Nurture finished products
  • Up to 160 in Strawberry & Beet Puffs
  • Up to 160 in Banana & Pumpkin Puffs
  • Up to 180 ppb in Apple & Broccoli Puffs

Lead:

  • Up to 10 ppb for close to 20% of Nurture vegetables and rice products
  • Up to 560 ppb in Multi-Grain Cereal Canister
  • Up to 641 ppb in Blueberry Purple Carrot

Cadmium:

  • Up to 5 ppb in 65% of Nurture baby products
  • Up to 36 ppb in Strawberry Raspberry
  • Up to 49 ppb for Multi-Grain Cereal Canister

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)

According to the Congressional Report, Beech-Nut declared that all its raw materials passed internal standards. But the company had set very high internal maximum levels, so the ingredients actually failed government regulations. (4)

Mercury:

  • The company doesn’t test for mercury.

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • More than 300 ppb in additives used in various products
  • Up to 913.4 ppb in raw materials

Lead:

  • Up to 886.9 ppb in raw materials

Cadmium:

  • Up to 344.55 ppb in raw materials

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)

According to the Subcommittee report, Hain admitted that it’s only using “theoretical calculations,” not actual test results. (4)

Mercury:

  • The company doesn’t test for mercury

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 129 ppb in finished products
  • Up to 309 ppb in ingredients

Lead:

  • Up to 352 ppb in a vitamin premix (raw materials)

Cadmium:

  • Up to 260 ppb in ingredients

Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics)

According to the Subcommittee, the company provided them with a report declaring that each of the finished products “meets criteria. ”

But the company reportedly refused to provide their actual test results or internal standards and criteria.

The following results are based on data from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report, instead: (3)

Mercury:

  • Less than 0.142 ppb in Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 3.1 ppb in Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food

Lead:

  • Up to 5.6 ppb in Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food

Cadmium:

  • Up to 2.3 ppb in Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food

Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)

Walmart didn’t submit any test results to the Subcommittee. The following results are also from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report, too: (3)

Mercury:

  • Up to 0.941 ppb in Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack
  • Up to 2.05 ppb in Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 56. 1 ppb in Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack
  • Up to 108 ppb in Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks

Lead:

  • Up to 5.2 ppb in Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack
  • Up to 26.9 ppb in Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks

Cadmium:

  • Up to 26.1 ppb in Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack
  • Up to 2.4 ppb in Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks

Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

According to the Congressional Report, the company never responded to the Subcommittee. The following results also come from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report: (3)

Mercury:

  • Up to 1.31 ppb in Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack – Apple Kale.

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 107 ppb in Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack – Apple Kale.

Lead:

  • Up to 39.3 ppb in Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack – Apple Kale.

Cadmium:

  • Up to 41.5 ppb in Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack – Apple Kale.

Healthy Baby Food Products

There are so many possible contaminants and harmful ingredients in our food supply. Some of these are from pesticides.

Because heavy metals and other contaminants could greatly affect babies’ body and brain development, Consumer Reports and the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) call for the passing of the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021. (8)

If this passes into law, baby food manufacturers will be required to test and disclose their test results to regulators and parents.

The law will also direct the FDA to adopt and implement stricter limits for baby foods.

Consumer Reports and the AAP (American Academy for Pediatrics) call for further changes: (4)

  • Lowering inorganic arsenic maximum levels to 3 ppb in all baby foods; the current FDA and EPA limit is 10 ppb.
  • Lowering maximum cadmium limits to 1 ppb in fruit juices; the current FDA limit is 5 ppb.
  • Lowering maximum lead limits to 1 ppb in all baby foods; the current FDA limit is 5 ppb.

Healthy Babies Bright Futures also calls for baby food companies to set a goal of zero inorganic arsenic and lead levels in all baby food products.

The following are some healthy alternatives to the unsafe products in the report:

  • Little Spoon (subscription-based organic baby food)
  • Yumi (subscription-based organic baby food)
  • Little Journey Organics
  • Once Upon A Farm
  • Serenity Kids

Preparing Healthier Alternatives At Home

Instead of worrying about food recalls, preparing fresh and organic baby foods at home might be a good idea.

You can buy a baby food maker set such as the Baby Brezza Small Baby Food Maker Set – Cooker and Blender in One or use the appliances you already have in your kitchen in preparing your baby’s food.

Note that rice and rice flour may have high levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic. It’s best to avoid preparing these foods for your baby.

Healthier alternatives include:

  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Yogurt
  • Peaches
  • Barley with diced vegetables
  • Quinoa
  • Whole or pureed fruits

Sweet potatoes and carrots can also have high levels of lead and cadmium. But they are important sources of vitamin A and other nutrients.

You’ll still need to include these foods in your child’s diet, but make sure they aren’t taken in excess. (3)

REFERENCES

(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570911/

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418502/

(3) http://www.healthybabyfood.org/sites/healthybabyfoods.org/files/2019-10/BabyFoodReport_FULLREPORT_ENGLISH_R5b.pdf

(4) https://oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-04%20ECP%20Baby%20Food%20Staff%20Report.pdf

(5) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gerber-issues-allergy-alert-clarify-egg-labeling-cheese-ravioli-pasta-pick-upsr

(6) http://news. gerber.com/news/gerber-is-voluntarily-recalling-two-batches-of-gerberR-organic-2nd-foodsR-pouches

(7) https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements

(8) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/beech-nut-baby-food-recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/

rating of the top 10 Russian and foreign brands with reviews according to KP

Goods for children are always under special quality control. Including food. After all, food for a baby is not only a way to satisfy hunger, but also acquaintance with different tastes and a guarantee of healthy development (1). Today there are many different brands. Among them, we selected the best manufacturers of baby food, based on the reviews of parents and expert opinions.

Rating of the top 5 Russian baby food manufacturers according to KP

There are many popular brands among Russian manufacturers of baby food. Basically, various purees, juices, cereals and dairy products are presented on the market. There are also formulas for babies, but in smaller quantities. The popularity of food is due to high quality and rather low (in comparison with foreign analogues) price.

1. "Agusha"

"Agusha". Photo: yandex.market.ru

Agusha is one of the most popular manufacturers of baby food in Russia. The trademark appeared in 1992 and has a wide range of products for children of all ages. Newborns are offered powdered milk formulas, babies from 4 months - a variety of purees, sour-milk products, water, older children - ready-made cereals (both dairy and non-dairy), juices, fruit drinks, compotes and fruit bars for a snack.

Thanks to the availability and variety of products, the manufacturer is confidently holding onto the Russian market. The safety and quality of Agushi is also confirmed by some neutral studies. For example, fruit cottage cheese, as well as kefir from this brand, received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (2, 3). nine0003

However, some parents are confused by the rather high price of certain items.

The main characteristics
Manufacturer Pepsico Russia
Assortment puree, Dry Milk mixes, porridge, fruit bars , recommended ages C Founded 1992
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line; a wide range of.

High price for some items.

2. FrutoNyanya

FrutoNyanya. Photo: yandex.market.ru

FrutoNyanya baby food brand products are distinguished by a wide range and wide distribution in stores. Among the products of the brand you can find: a variety of cereals (with additives in the form, for example, pieces of fruit or without them), vegetable, fruit and meat purees, water, dairy products, juices, fruit drinks and nectars, snacks. For children prone to acute reactions to certain products, a special line of hypoallergenic food is offered. nine0003

Some of the brand's products have received high ratings from Roskachestvo, for example, biocurd, buckwheat porridge (4, 5).

Nutrition from this brand is designed for both the first complementary foods and for babies after a year. The composition contains salt and sugar, which are not recommended for children under one year old.

Main characteristics
Manufacturer Progress
Assortment purees, drinks, soups, snacks, cereals, snacks, water
Recommended age from 0 months
Founded 2000
Pros and cons
There are hypoallergenic products.

May contain allergenic ingredients (eg sugar).

3. "Grandmother's Lukoshko"

"Grandmother's Lukoshko". Photo: yandex.market.ru

The manufacturer has been present on the Russian market since 1999. The main product is a variety of purees, which are available in glass jars and soft packs. For example, apple puree from this brand received the highest rating from Roskachestvo in all analysis criteria and was awarded the Quality Mark (6). nine0003

For older children, prepared meals, meatballs, healthy snacks such as fruit lozenges and biscuits are available. Also, "Babushkino Lukoshko" produces children's herbal teas. Salt in some products is not always welcomed by parents.

The main characteristics
manufacturer "Sivma"
Assortment puree, finished lunch, drinks, fruit pastures
Recommended age from 4 months
Founded 1999
Pros and cons

Relatively low price in the segment; varied products.

There may be undesirable auxiliary components in the formulation (eg salt).

4. "Subject"

"Subject". Photo: yandex.market.ru

"Theme" offers products for children from 4 months to 3 years. The assortment includes a variety of meat, fish and vegetable purees, dairy products, ready meals and juices. But fruit purees are not presented. Packaging 一 is one of the distinguishing features of the brand. Thanks to special tin cans, the products are reliably protected from sunlight, which prolongs the shelf life. Also, many products of the brand are available in non-spill packages, so it is convenient to take them with you on the road. According to the results of the research, cottage cheese and juice "Theme" received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (7, 8). nine0008 5. Diaper Diaper. Photo: market.yandex.ru

All ingredients for production are supplied from our own farm. The manufacturer claims that thanks to this, it is possible to set fairly low prices for products.

The potential buyer is offered fruit and vegetable purees (some with cottage cheese), soups, various juices and fruit drinks, as well as water. Some of the products are hypoallergenic. The composition does not contain unnecessary components: salt, sugar and preservatives. Meat and fish products are not represented in the product line. nine0003

The main characteristics
Manufacturer "Gardens Podonya"
Assortment puree, cream-soups, cereal
Recommended age C 40 months of ° Cite. 2005
Pros and cons

Low price in the segment; simple and clear structure.

Lack of meat and fish products in the assortment. nine0003

Rating of the top 5 foreign manufacturers of baby food according to KP

There are many foreign companies that produce baby food on the Russian market. A century of history, many years of experience and a good reputation helps to supply the market with quality products, which are preferred by many parents.

1. Gerber

Gerber. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The assortment of the American manufacturer includes products for children from 4 months. In supermarkets and online sites, you can find vegetable and fruit purees, cereals, healthy snacks, juices, and desserts (cottage cheese treats, smoothies, and others). Hypoallergenic food is also provided. For example, dairy-free buckwheat porridge of this brand is highly appreciated by Roskachestvo experts, who noted the safe composition of the product without dangerous and harmful substances, including no added sugars (9).

The manufacturer claims that the high prices are due to the corresponding quality, which is ensured by strict standards and adherence to technology.

The main characteristics
0022
Manufacturer Nestle
Assortment puree, porridge, snacks, desserts
Recommended ° from 4 months from 4 months СО 4 months of from 4 months of
Founded 1927
Pros and cons

Hypoallergenic products; natural composition; high quality.

High price in the baby food segment.

2. HiPP

HiPP. Photo: yandex.market.ru

German manufacturer's products are suitable for children from birth. Infants are offered hypoallergenic powdered milk formulas enriched with vitamins. For feeding - various purees, cream soups, cereals, and as a snack for older children - snacks and dairy desserts. nine0003

Meals are made exclusively from natural ingredients, without added sugar. The high price, according to the manufacturer, is due to the use of special technologies and high-quality products.

The main characteristics
9 months 9 months 9 months 9.0025
manufacturer HIPP
Assortment puree, cereals, drinks, snacks, dry dairy mixtures
Recommended age
Country of origin Germany
Founded 1957
Pros and cons

Natural composition; There are baby formulas in the assortment.

High price of products.

3. Fleur Alpine

Fleur Alpine. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Natural baby food of premium quality. The range includes purees, cereals, cookies and juices - both regular and for children prone to allergies or intolerant to gluten. In addition to the usual products, the manufacturer offers olive oil (from 6 months) and sauces (from 3 years). nine0003

From time to time, the products of this brand come under the attention of experts from Roskachestvo and Roskontrol. For example, Three cereals porridge showed excellent results: a good composition with dietary fiber and no foreign impurities, the appropriate taste, color and smell (10), and buckwheat porridge meets the advanced standards of Roskachestvo, except for the increased protein content (11).

Not all products on the official website can be purchased in a regular store. However, they can be purchased on marketplaces. nine0003

High price; Not all brand products are easy to find on offline sites.

4. Semper

Semper. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The Swedish company offers a wide range of products for children of all ages. Dry milk formulas are suitable for newborns, and there are even specialized ones that are best used for constipation. Some of them are designed for babies older than six months. For crumbs older than 4 months, the manufacturer offers a variety of vegetable, meat, fish and fruit purees, cereals, juices and children's tea with vitamins. In addition to the usual products for children, there are wellings — oatmeal and multi-cereal porridges with natural additives, cookies, and meatballs. nine0003

Roskachestvo examined this brand's applesauce and, apart from its high carbohydrate content (higher than indicated on the packaging), found no drawbacks (12). In addition, some purees contain starch.

The main characteristics
° 0 months0025
Manufacturer Hero Group
Assortment Dairy mixtures, puree, cereals, drinks, cookies
Recommended age ° 0 months
Country of origin Sweden
Founded 1963
Pros and cons

There are mixtures in the product line interesting combinations of flavors.

High price in the segment; the presence of starch in the puree; the product according to BJU may differ from that stated on the package.

5. Heinz

Heinz. Photo: yandex.market.ru

American food company offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. There are fruit, vegetable and meat purees, cereals (dairy and non-dairy), soups and drinks. As a healthy snack for babies from 5 months, special cookies are suitable, and fruit and cream puddings will be a great dessert for older children. You can also find a special vermicelli that will suit crumbs from 6 months. The manufacturer's porridges received the highest rating from Roskachestvo (13). However, some products contain sugar and starch, which many parents of babies do not approve of. nine0003

The main characteristics
C C C 9 months .
Manufacturer Heinz
Assortment puree, soups, vermichel, pudding, cookies, tea
Recommended age USA
Year of Manufacture 1869
Pros and Cons

Product contains prebiotics; affordable price in the segment of baby food from foreign manufacturers. nine0003

Some products contain sugar and starch.

How to choose the right baby food

A child's menu may differ from another baby's diet, not only because of age, but also due to health conditions (for example, a tendency to constipation or a dairy allergy) and personal preferences. However, the first thing to consider is age. It’s also important to keep in mind that your baby’s diet should be free of added salt and sugar (14). Certain positions deserve some explanation. nine0003

Milk formulas

Designed for feeding babies. In fact, they are designed to become an alternative to mother's milk. For the full development of the crumbs, it is necessary that vitamins and trace elements are present in the composition.

Canned puree

Introduced from 4 months. There are fruit, vegetable, meat and fish options. Combinations are also possible. For the first feeding, it is recommended to choose one-component purees from vegetables or fruits.

Porridges

Porridges, as well as mashed potatoes, are recommended to be offered to a baby from 4 months. Thanks to the special processing of cereals, baby porridge is easily boiled, which significantly saves cooking time. nine0003

Nectars, juices

You can give your baby juice or nectar from the age of 4 months. As long as it doesn't contain sugar. If available, it is better to wait at least up to 1 year.

Reviews of doctors about manufacturers of baby food

一 Baby food is becoming an object of special attention on the part of the state and parents, 一 says pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova . - The main advantages of industrial products and dishes are ease of use, balanced composition and minimal cooking time. However, you must strictly follow the age recommendations and cooking rules indicated on the labels. nine0003

- Dairy products and baby food in particular are complex production products where quality control is essential at all stages. Therefore, it is better to trust large manufacturers, - explains sanitary doctor Nikolai Dubinin . - It is important to pay attention to the composition and, before offering the child, taste the food yourself. In general, doctors agree that commercially produced baby food is no worse than home-cooked. And some are even better, due to supplements in the form of vitamins and trace elements. nine0003

Popular questions and answers

We answer the most common questions about baby food together with pediatrician Ekaterina Mikhaltsova and sanitary doctor, epidemiologist Nikolai Dubinin.

How to choose food for the first feeding?

Pediatricians recommend starting the first complementary foods with vegetable puree. Fruits contain a large amount of fructose, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Of course, the parent himself can boil and grind vegetables to a puree-like consistency, but it is easier to purchase products in the store, since baby food is made in compliance with special technologies, taking into account all the rules and regulations. nine0003

Another question is how to choose a brand among such a variety of baby foods. The best solution is to stick with a well-known brand. Large companies care about their reputation, and therefore strictly follow all established quality standards and do not violate production technology.

The next step is to study the information on the label, make sure the quality, evaluate the following indicators:

• Natural composition. Preservatives, salt, sugar and other ingredients should not be present in the composition (at least in products for children under 1 year old). nine0509 • Consistency (grinding quality). A good puree should be smooth and without lumps.
• Multi or single ingredient . The first puree should contain only one ingredient. The child should get used to a certain vegetable, after which it will be possible to introduce others, adding each one in turn, so that the baby gets used to everything individually.
• Hypoallergenic product. Formula must not contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. nine0509 • Package integrity . It is important to inspect the container in detail for dents, scratches or cracks (chips). Tightness must be observed. Don't forget to check the production date.
• Appropriate for the age of the child . The age for which this or that product is designed is usually indicated on the packaging in compliance with the recommendations of pediatricians.

When all these factors are taken into account, it can be said that the product is really suitable for the child and will not cause side effects (15). nine0003

Which of the Russian manufacturers should I pay attention to?

Baby food brand Agusha has been producing products for over 30 years. The assortment has everything you need for a complete diet for kids: dairy products, cereals, fruit, vegetable and meat purees, juices and compotes. The company produces safe, hypoallergenic, complete nutrition for children of all ages. High-quality substitutes for breast milk and subsequent complementary foods are also produced. It is also recommended to pay attention to the manufacturers "FrutoNyanya" and "Theme". nine0003

What composition should healthy baby food contain?

When choosing puree in jars, pay attention to the composition. The ingredients should be natural, a good option (especially for younger kids) if the puree is a one-component puree - a fruit or vegetable plus water. Please note that the product does not contain salt, flour, starch, dyes and preservatives, and is not too diluted with water. The vegetable itself may contain starch, but its additional additives are very undesirable. nine0003

Sources

  1. Once again about baby food. Ladodo K. S. 2003.
  2. Roskachestvo rating. Children's cottage cheese "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/tvorog-detskiy-fruktovyy-agusha-multifruktovyy-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-9/
  3. Roskachestvo rating. Children's kefir "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kefir-agusha-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-2-dlya-pitaniya-detey-starshe-8-mesyatsev/
  4. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-frutonyanya-yabloko-obogashchennyy-vitaminom-d3-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-4-2-dlya-pitaniya-d/
  5. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/frutonyanya-pervyy-vybor-grechnevaya-kasha/
  6. Roskachestvo rating. Apple puree "Babushkino Lukoshko" URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-fruktovoe-gomogenizirovannoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-pitaniya-detey-rannego-vozrasta-s-4-mesyatse/
  7. Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-tyema-obogashchennyy-bifidobakteriyami-s-grushey-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-massovaya-dolya-zh/
  8. Roskachestvo rating. Apple juice "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/sok-yablochnyy-vostanovlennyy-osvetlennyy-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya/
  9. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Gerber. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/bezmolochnaya-kasha-gerber-grechnevaya/
  10. Roskachestvo rating. Porridge "Three cereals" Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-fleur-alpine-tri-zlaka-/
  11. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-grechnevaya-gipoallergennaya-fleur-alpine/
  12. Roskachestvo rating. Applesauce Semper. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-iz-yablok-fruktovoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-s-4-mesyatsev-semper/
  13. Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Heinz. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/grechnevaya-kashka-heinz-bezmolochnaya-nizkoallergennaya/
  14. Baby food safety. Zakharova I.N., Aisanova M.R. 2019.
  15. Classification of baby food products, requirements for their quality and safety. Georgieva O.V., Pyrieva E.A., Kon I.Ya. 2018.

Food tasting is organized in schools and kindergartens in Nizhny Tagil As part of the event, parents can taste the food prepared for their children and leave their feedback and wishes, which the contractor will take into account.

Food tastings can be organized in different ways in different educational establishments. Thus, in some establishments you can try food once a week, and in kindergartens of the city, several associations organized a “week of tastings” at once. nine0003

We recently had a tasting, we had a "breakfast week". Parents came in the morning, tried the children's breakfasts, left their feedback, the head of kindergarten No. 198 told TagilCity.ru. Parents should know what their child eats, said the mother of a young girl from Tagil.

Every parent can taste food in educational institutions. After the tasting, you can express your wishes in writing, they will be taken into account by the contractor. nine0003

I am good at tasting. I think that this is not just a formality. It is good that feedback in our school can be left in writing and in detail. Basically, all the comments of parents are taken into account. In general, the food is good, said the mother of a student of school No. 55.

In order to hold a tasting, parents should apply to the parents' committee or the administration of the educational institution.

Tasting is held in those institutions where parents have expressed a desire to hold such an event. The contracting organization does not refuse in this case, the parent committee asks - tastings are held. Contractors take into account all the wishes of parents, Tatyana Udintseva, head of the Nizhny Tagil Education Department, told TagilCity.ru. nine0003

In general, as parents say, they are satisfied with the organization of meals for their children.

The menu is good. Tried breakfast. Porridge cooked in milk, with butter. It seemed to me that it was not very sweet, but a lot of sugar is harmful. We were also treated to sandwiches with butter and cheese. Cheese is real, not a substitute. Plus - a drink with milk. A good and nutritious breakfast for a kindergartener, said a Tagil woman who attended an event in one of the kindergartens.

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