Gerber baby food complaints
Gerber Baby Food Recalls 2021-2023: What Happened?
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)
Last February 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 in the report. Over the years, Gerber had issued some baby food recalls (and also Gerber formula recalls). But did the new report lead to a recall of the affected Gerber baby foods?
In January 2023, in response to public clamor, the FDA announced that they’re proposing limits on lead in baby food. They’re also creating a new food safety unit.
Continue reading to learn more.
Subcommittee Congressional Report On Toxic Baby Foods
What Baby Food Has Toxic Metals?
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: (5)
- 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.
Why Is Gerber Not Good For Babies?
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.
What Are The Safest Baby Food Brands?
The following are some healthy alternatives to the unsafe products in the report:
- Serenity Kids
- Yumi (subscription-based)
- Little Spoon (subscription-based)
- Once Upon A Farm
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 can 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 puréed 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)
Baby Food Safety Act Of 2021
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. (6)
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.
Was Gerber Recalled In 2021?
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 as well.
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. (7)
- 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. (8)
- Return or Refund Processing: Call 1-800-706-0556
Affected Products: (8)
- 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)
Baby Food Recall (News & Updates)
Lawsuit Filed Against Baby Food Companies
Update: March 10, 2023
A lawsuit filed in Southern California against baby food companies alleges that these foods, tainted with heavy metals based on the Congressional report, can cause autism and ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). (9)
Experts help the law team convince the judge by explaining how heavy metals interact with the brain. (9)
FDA Plans To Create New Food Safety Unit
Update: February 2, 2023
The FDA proposes the creation of the Human Foods Program, a new food safety unit that will focus on the importance of nutrition. According to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, the new deputy commissioner for human foods will have clear decision-making authority, ensuring the US food supply’s safety. (10)
The new unit will also be tasked to improve US nutrition to address the declining life expectancy, possibly due to chronic diseases linked with poor nutrition. (10)
FDA Proposes New Lead Limits On Baby Foods
In response to public outcry, the FDA proposes new lead level limits for baby food, applicable for children under two years old: (11)(12)
- Lower than 10 ppb (parts per billion) in fruits, meat, yogurts, most vegetables, custards and puddings, and mixed meals (includes grain and meat-based mixtures)
- Maximum of 20 ppb in dry infant cereals and also in root crops (such as sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots) because they grow underground and potentially absorb more lead from the soil
Although the FDA estimates that these can reduce young children’s lead exposure by 24-27%, baby food safety advocates like Healthy Babies Bright Futures and Consumer Reports hoped for stricter measures. (11)(12)
They point out lead’s serious impact on children’s health, including reduced IQ, neurological and developmental impairment, behavior problems, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
They also want the FDA to address the other heavy metals detected in baby food, such as cadmium and mercury, which aren’t included in the agency’s new proposal. (11)(12)
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://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-04%20ECP%20Baby%20Food%20Staff%20Report.pdf
(5) https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements
(6) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/beech-nut-baby-food-recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/
(7) https://www. fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gerber-issues-allergy-alert-clarify-egg-labeling-cheese-ravioli-pasta-pick-upsr
(8) http://news.gerber.com/news/gerber-is-voluntarily-recalling-two-batches-of-gerberR-organic-2nd-foodsR-pouches
(9) https://fox17.com/news/spotlight-on-america/update-first-court-battle-over-toxic-metals-in-baby-food-set-for-trial-in-2023
(10) https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-31/after-baby-formula-scandal-fda-announces-new-unit-focused-on-food-safety
(11) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/health/fda-lead-baby-food.html
(12) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-food/fda-proposes-new-limits-for-lead-in-baby-foods-a2167994237/
Gerber Judge Calls Baby Food False Ad Claim 'Pretty Weird'
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By Bonnie Eslinger (February 9, 2023, 10:03 PM EST) -- A California federal judge considering Gerber's bid to toss a putative class action appeared skeptical Thursday about the plaintiffs' contention that baby and toddler food labels touting protein content and other ingredients duped buyers into thinking the food is healthier than it is, calling the claim "pretty weird" and "a stretch."...
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rating of the top 11 Russian and foreign brands with reviews according to KP
Products 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 an acquaintance with different tastes and a guarantee of healthy development. 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 6 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.
"Egor Ivanych"
"Egor Ivanych"Egor Ivanych is a serious kid, so he chooses the best raw materials for the production of baby food. Only selected, most delicious vegetables and fruits, fresh dairy components and meat of the highest quality are used, which a little later will fall on the table to the kids in the form of mashed potatoes. Egor Ivanych is a rich assortment of products that can provide a complete diet for a baby.
Meat purees are made according to GOST with a high percentage of meat filling. And cauliflower puree was appreciated by the experts of Roskachestvo, giving it the first place in their rating (1). There are unique products such as cod with vegetables, chicken with hearts and turkey with turkey liver. This is a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients for the nutrition of the baby. Egor Ivanovich - in an adult way for kids!
Main characteristics
Manufacturer | Open distribution company LLC | |
Assortment | Vegetable, fruit puree, meat and fish products for first feeding | |
Recommended age | From 4 months (there are products that are suitable from 5, 6 and 8 months) 9018 Year | bases2013 |
Pros and cons
Many different flavors; contains no starch, wheat flour, sweeteners and sugar; There are a variety of unique flavors in the range.
The product line is represented only by mashed potatoes.
Editors' Choice
Egor Ivanych
In an adult way for kids
Purees are made from selected products - healthy, tasty, high quality.
BuyLearn more
Advertisement . LLC Open Distribution Company. LjN8KUFzq
Agusha
Agusha. Photo: yandex.market.ruAgusha 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).
However, some parents are confused by the rather high price of certain items.
The main characteristics
manufacturer | Pepsico Russia |
Assortment | puree, dry dairy mixtures, porridge, fruit Breads | Recommended age | , recommended ages | , recommended ages | , recommended ages Founded | 1992 |
Pros and cons
There are mixtures in the product line; a wide range of.
High price for some items.
FrutoNyanya
FrutoNyanya. Photo: yandex.market.ruFrutoNyanya 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.
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).
Grandmother's Basket
Grandmother's Basket. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe 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).
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 st Leglets |
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).
"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).
The main characteristics
manufacturer | "Danon Russia" |
Assortment | puree, dairy products |
Counter | |
Pros and cons
Innovative packaging; high meat content.
There are no fruit products in the assortment.
Diaper
Diaper. Photo: market. yandex.ruAll 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.
The main characteristics
Manufacturer | “Gardens Podonya” |
Assortment | puree, cream-bouches, Porridge |
9002 | 2005 |
Pros and cons
Low price in the segment; simple and clear structure.
Lack of meat and fish products in the assortment.
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.
Gerber
Gerber. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe 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
manufacturer | Nestle |
Assortment | puree, juices, snacks, desserts |
Founded | 1927 |
Pros and cons
Hypoallergenic products; natural composition; high quality.
High price in the baby food segment.
HiPP
HiPP. Photo: yandex.market.ruGerman 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.
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
manufacturer | HIPP |
Assortment | puree, cereals, drinks, snacks, dry dairy mixtures |
Recommended age 900 | 9 months 9 months 9 months from 0 months.0023 |
Country of origin | Germany |
Year founded | 1957 |
Pros and cons
Natural composition; There are baby formulas in the assortment.
High price of products.
Fleur Alpine
Fleur Alpine. Photo: yandex.market.ruNatural 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).
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.
The main characteristics
Manufacturer | Fleur Alpine | |||||
Assortment | porridge, puree, drinks, sauces, snacks | |||||
from 4 months | from 4 months | from 4 months | from 4 months | with 4 months | ||
Founded | 2008 |
Pros and cons
Gluten free; natural composition.
High price; Not all brand products are easy to find on offline sites.
Semper
Semper. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe 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.
Roskachestvo examined this brand's applesauce and, apart from its high carbohydrate content (higher than indicated on the package), found no drawbacks (12). In addition, some purees contain starch.
The main characteristics
manufacturer | Hero Group |
Assortment | Dairy mixtures, purers, cereals, drinks, cookies |
Recommended age | 9 months 9 months from 0 months. 0023 |
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.
Heinz
Heinz. Photo: yandex.market.ruAmerican 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.
The main characteristics
manufacturer | Heinz | ||||
Assortment | puree, soup, vermichel, pudding, cookies, teas | ||||
Recommended age 900 | from 4 months | . | USA | ||
Year of Manufacture | 1869 |
Pros and Cons
Product contains prebiotics; affordable price in the segment of baby food from foreign manufacturers.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions and answers
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.
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 must not be present in the composition (at least in products for children under 1 year old).
• 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.
• Package intact . 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.
• Child age appropriate . 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).
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".
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.
Sources
- Roskachestvo rating. Baby puree (cauliflower). URL: https://rskrf.ru/ratings/tovary-dlya-detey/detskoe-pitanie/pyure-detskoe-tsvetnaya-kapusta/
- Roskachestvo rating. Children's cottage cheese "Agusha". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/tvorog-detskiy-fruktovyy-agusha-multifruktovyy-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-3-9/
- 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/
- Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-frutonyanya-yabloko-obogashchennyy-vitaminom-d3-s-massovoy-doley-zhira-4-2-dlya-pitaniya-d/
- Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge "FrutoNyanya". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/frutonyanya-pervyy-vybor-grechnevaya-kasha/
- Roskachestvo rating. Apple puree "Babushkino Lukoshko" URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-fruktovoe-gomogenizirovannoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-pitaniya-detey-rannego-vozrasta-s-4-mesyatse/
- Roskachestvo rating. Biocurd "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/biotvorog-tyema-obogashchennyy-bifidobakteriyami-s-grushey-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-massovaya-dolya-zh/
- Roskachestvo rating. Apple juice "Theme". URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/sok-yablochnyy-vostanovlennyy-osvetlennyy-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya/
- Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Gerber. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/bezmolochnaya-kasha-gerber-grechnevaya/
- Roskachestvo rating. Porridge "Three cereals" Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-fleur-alpine-tri-zlaka-/
- Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Fleur Alpine. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/kasha-grechnevaya-gipoallergennaya-fleur-alpine/
- Roskachestvo rating. Applesauce Semper. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/pyure-iz-yablok-fruktovoe-sterilizovannoe-dlya-detskogo-pitaniya-s-4-mesyatsev-semper/
- Roskachestvo rating. Buckwheat porridge Heinz. URL: https://rskrf.ru/goods/grechnevaya-kashka-heinz-bezmolochnaya-nizkoallergennaya/
- Baby food safety. Zakharova I.N., Aisanova M.R. 2019.
- Classification of baby food products, requirements for their quality and safety. Georgieva O.V., Pyrieva E.A., Kon I.Ya. 2018.
Gerber Baby Cauliflower Puree - 4.01 Expert Review Rating ☑ Ingredients and Producer Expertise
In our product evaluations, we use only expert reviews based on laboratory tests. We do not collect user reviews as they are easy to manipulate. However, you can leave feedback about our study.
Canned vegetable puree, cauliflower, for feeding children from 4 months, under the brand name Gerber, produced by Nestle Polska S.A. for Nestle Russia LLC in Poland. The sample was purchased at the Detsky Mir store at the address: Moscow, Volzhsky Boulevard, quarter 113 a, bldg. 1, floor 2.
Microbiological parameters meet the established requirements. The content of the puree did not exceed the mandatory requirements for the content of radionuclides, heavy metals, as well as patulin, a substance formed as a result of the development of mold fungi. No pesticides were found. Recall that the absence of pesticides is an indirect proof that the product is produced using organic production technologies.
No preservatives (including sorbic and benzoic acids).
Puree contains no impurities: mineral (for example, sand), vegetable origin (twigs, blades of grass, etc.), as well as any other foreign elements.
Puree contains no sweeteners and sweeteners (acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin and sodium cyclamate). The product contains only natural sugars. In addition, it has a minimum salt content.
Fat content is as advertised, but protein content is less than what is listed on the package.
Titratable acidity and pH of vegetable puree are normal, which means that its use will not disturb the child's digestion process. The content of sodium and potassium corresponds to the advanced standard of Roskachestvo. Puree also contains dietary fiber and B vitamins. However, the content of some vitamins is lower compared to the product of some other brands.