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

Updated on 17 September 2022 • 13 minute read
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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

 

Reviews: Everything You Need To Know About The Happy BABY Organics Food & Formula Recall 2022

Updated on 29 June 2022 • 11 minute read
5057

 

Overview

Nurture, Inc</span >. is a food company that offers a wide range of products for your baby. But it’s among the popular baby food makers called out in recent Congressional reports and reviews for having high toxic metal levels. (1)(2)

The company offers several product lines for baby foods: Happy Family Organics, HappyBABY, and HappyTOTS. Have any of these products been recalled due to heavy metal contamination or other health risks?

 

Is Happy BABY Recalled?

Nurture Inc. and the rest of the brands in the Congressional Report reportedly have many products tainted with heavy metals. But not one issued a relevant recall or baby food safety warning. (1)(2)

These are the only baby food product recalls that Nurture Inc. has issued:

 

HappyBABY & HappyTOT Baby Food Pouch Recall (2010)

In 2010, Nurture Inc. voluntarily recalled several HappyBABY products over possible bacterial contamination. Eating any of the contaminated products may cause serious health issues, including severe vomiting and nausea. (3)

The recall was done in response to the FDA’s public warning to the company over numerous consumer reports that the baby food pouches were swollen or leaking. (3)

Nurture Inc. warned the public against consuming these possibly contaminated products. According to the recall advisory, the compromised packaging may cause serious illness to little ones who ingested the content. (3)

These HappyBABY Stages 1 and 2 food pouches with expiration dates from November 2010 to January 2011 were recalled: (3)

  • Mango (net wt. 3.5 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00134 7
  • Spinach Mango Pear (net wt. 3.5 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00139 2
  • Apricot Sweet Potato (net wt. 3.5 oz.) – UPC 8 52697

 

The following HappyTOTStage 4 baby food pouches, with expiration dates from November 2010 to January 2011, were also included in the recall: (3)

  • Green bean, pear & peas (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00127 9
  • Sweet potato, carrot, apple & cinnamon (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00128 6
  • Spinach, mango & pear (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00129 3
  • Butternut squash & apple (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00130 9
  • Banana, peach, coconut & prunes (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00131 6
  • Banana, peach & mango (net wt. 4.22 oz.) – UPC 8 52697 00132 3

 

No other HappyTOT and HappyBABY food products were affected by this recall. (3)

The company recommends that you immediately consult your child’s pediatrician or seek medical attention if your child has eaten any contaminated food and fell ill. (3)

To avoid spreading the contamination, Nurture Inc. also advises affected customers to discard the products in a way that will keep anyone, people or animals, from retrieving them. (3)

Everyone who has touched the possibly contaminated baby food pouches should wash their hands thoroughly. Store personnel were also reminded to exercise caution in handling the recalled items and cleaning the affected areas in their shop. (3)

 

HappyTOT Super Foods Oat Bars Recall (2020)

Nurture Inc. issued a voluntary recall on November 3, 2020, on several products, following consumer complaints of some oat bars containing mold. (4)

According to the recall advisory, these bars have a higher water content, making them more susceptible to mold growth. (4)

HappyTOT Super Foods Gluten-Free Oat Bars (flavor: Organic Blueberries and Oatmeal; with UPC 8 19573 01507 2) in the recall: (4)

  • BB 07 APR 2021 20098
  • BB 08 APR 2021 20099
  • BB 09 APR 2021 20100
  • BB 18 MAY 2021 20139
  • BB 19 MAY 2021 20140
  • BB 16 JUN 2021 20168
  • BB 28 AUG 2021 20241

 

HappyTOT Super Foods Gluten-Free Oat Bars (flavor: Organic Bananas, Strawberries, and Sunflower Butter; UPC 8 19573 01508 9) included in the recall: (4)

  • BB 13 APR 2021 20104
  • BB 08 MAY 2021 20129
  • BB 20 MAY 2021 20141
  • BB 21 MAY 2021 20142
  • BB 08 JUN 2021 20160
  • BB 09 JUN 2021 20161
  • BB 15 JUN 2021 20167

 

The recall also included HappyKID Fruit & Oat Bar (flavor: Blueberry + Raspberry) with these product codes: (4)

  • BB 14 APR 2021 20105
  • BB 05 MAY 2021 20126
  • BB 11 MAY 2021 20132
  • BB 01 JUN 2021 20153
  • BB 08 JUN 2021 20190
  • BB 13 JUL 2021 20195
  • BB 04 AUG 2021 20217

 

The company has assured affected customers that the products don’t have a high risk of causing illness but recalled the items to prevent untoward incidents. (4)

This official statement was posted on the company’s website: (5)

“We decided to voluntarily recall these products due to the remote possibility that consumption could cause adverse health consequences. 

We want to assure families, first and foremost, that according to our internal food safety investigation and FDA’s review, there is a low risk of any health-related concerns following consumption. 

Nevertheless, it does not reflect the high standards we hold for our products and is not an experience we want our families to have.”

The company has also assured parents that they have implemented tighter controls on monitoring the water activity of every batch of bars they bake so this may not happen again. (5)

On its website, the company claimed that it had commissioned third-party tests for all future bar productions. (5)

 

HappyBABY (Nurture, Inc.) In Congressional Reports On Baby Food Safety

Which Baby Food Brands Are Toxic?

Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury can harm your baby’s body and brain development, even at low concentrations.   (6)(7)

So, the U.S. Congress Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy headed by Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi asked several popular baby food manufacturers for their test results and internal policies for heavy metal testing: (1)

 

  • Nurture, Inc. (Happy Family Organics, HappyBABY, and HappyTOTS)

  • 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)

 

Only four baby food makers provided the Subcommittee with what they were asked for in the first Congressional Report: (1)

  • Gerber
  • Beech-Nut
  • Nurture
  • Hain

 

The second Congressional Report published Plum Organics’ test results and internal policies. (2)

The Subcommittee expressed alarm over the food manufacturers’ very high internal maximum limits for heavy metals. These higher limits meant that the baby foods or ingredients passed the company standards but actually failed to meet government limits. (1)(2)

For example, these are the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) maximum limits for bottled water, in ppb (parts per billion): (8)

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

 

Instead of complying, these baby food companies increased their internal standards to exponential levels: (1)

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

 

Also, the FDA’s maximum limit for infant rice cereal is 100 ppb inorganic arsenic. But the following companies set their internal maximum to these: (1)(8)

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

 

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) maximum limit for drinking water (but can be applied to food) is 2 ppb mercury. (9)

 

Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY, HappyTOTS, And Happy Family Organics)

Unlike the other baby food makers who only tested ingredients for heavy metal content, Nurture tested both raw materials and finished products. (1)

But the results showed that many of the company’s products have high levels of toxic heavy metals. (1)

Nurture told the Subcommittee that though the finished products are tested, the results aren’t the basis for product release. (1)

Heavy metal test results from Nurture, Inc.: (1)

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 100 ppb (over 25% of Nurture baby products)
  • Up to 160 ppb (version: Strawberry & Beet Puffs)
  • Up to 160 ppb (version: Banana & Pumpkin Puffs)
  • Up to 180 ppb (version: Apple & Broccoli Puffs)

 

Mercury:

  • Up to 9. 8 ppb (version: Banana Sweet Potato)
  • Up to 10 ppb (version: Brown Rice Cereal Canister)

 

Lead:

  • Up to 10 ppb (version: Nurture vegetables and rice products)
  • Up to 560 ppb (version: Multi-Grain Cereal Canister)
  • Up to 641 ppb (version: Blueberry Purple Carrot)

 

Cadmium:

  • Up to 5 ppb (close to 65% of Nurture products)
  • Up to 36 ppb (version: Strawberry Raspberry)
  • Up to 49 ppb (version: Multi-Grain Cereal Canister)

 

Second Congressional Report

The House Subcommittee released a follow-up report in September 2021. (2)

The new report showed that the companies continue to produce baby foods with dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic and other heavy metals, based on independent tests by the state of Alaska. (1)(2)

The Subcommittee also called out these baby food companies for failure to notify the public of their heavy metal content or recall any of their tainted products. (2)

 

Lawsuit Against HappyTOT For Heavy Metal Content

The Ecological Alliance LLC in Los Angeles filed a class suit against Nurture Inc., the parent company of Happy Family Organics, for making products allegedly having dangerous levels of lead in June 2021: (10)

  • HappyTOT apple and spinach fruit snack bar 
  • HappyTOT cheese and spinach ravioli product 

 

The lawsuit alleges that the apple and spinach fruit snack bar has “higher-than-acceptable” lead content, while the cheese and spinach ravioli contains over 12 times the daily limit of lead exposure for a child. (10)

As the basis for the allegations on the excessive lead levels, the lawsuit cites “independent laboratory tests conducted recently on an array of food products.” (10)

The lawsuit also includes Target and Whole Foods. (10)

“Whole Foods wouldn’t sell an apple grown with pesticides, yet they keep selling baby food containing appalling amounts of lead to unsuspecting parents,” Attorney Vineet Dubey declared in a statement. (10)

 

HBBF Comprehensive Food Safety Test

The two Congressional reports weren’t the only ones that called popular baby food manufacturers for producing products with questionable content.

The HBBF commissioned independent tests of 168 baby foods from 61 different brands in 2019. (11)

The results showed that as much as 95% may have high levels of toxic heavy metals: (11)

  • Arsenic: 73% of the baby foods
  • Lead: 94% of the baby foods
  • Mercury: 32% of the baby foods
  • Cadmium: 75% of the baby foods

 

What’s alarming is that 26% of the baby foods HBBF tested contain all four toxic chemicals in one container. (11)

HBBF expressed alarm over these findings, explaining that exposure to heavy metals can harm your child’s body and brain development. (11)

Pointing out the lack of known safe levels for heavy metal exposure, HBBF urges baby food makers to establish a goal of no measurable amounts of heavy metals for any baby and young children’s food. (11)

 

Is Happy BABY Organic Baby Food Safe?

These HappyBABY Organic products have alarmingly high toxic metal content based on the HBBF study: (11)

 

Organic Rice Cakes Puffed Rice Snack (Apple)

  • Total arsenic: 455 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: 47 ppb
  • Lead: 1.7 ppb
  • Cadmium: 5.4 ppb
  • Mercury: 3.18 ppb

 

Superfood Puffs Organic Grain Snack (Sweet Potato & Carrot)

  • Total arsenic: 295 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: 91 ppb
  • Lead: 3.7 ppb
  • Cadmium: 12.2 ppb
  • Mercury: 1.94 ppb

 

Superfood Puffs – Apple & Broccoli Organic Grain Snack (Crawling Baby)

  • Total arsenic: 266 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: 83 ppb
  • Lead: 8. 2 ppb
  • Cadmium: 11 ppb
  • Mercury: 2.16 ppb

 

Organic Teethers Blueberry & Purple Carrot (Sitting Baby)

  • Total arsenic: 67 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: (not measurable)
  • Lead: 6 ppb
  • Cadmium: 8.2 ppb
  • Mercury: 2.26 ppb

 

Oats & Quinoa Baby Cereal Organic Whole Grains with Iron (Sitting Baby)

  • Total arsenic: 10.2 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: (not measurable)
  • Lead: 0.9 ppb
  • Cadmium: 12.4 ppb
  • Mercury: 0.14 ppb

 

Oatmeal Baby Cereal, Clearly Crafted – Organic Whole Grains (Sitting Baby)

  • Total arsenic: 6. 3 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: (not measurable)
  • Lead: <0.5 ppb
  • Cadmium: 10 ppb
  • Mercury: 0.14 ppb

 

Sweet Potatoes (Stage 1)

  • Total arsenic: 27.5 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: 29 ppb
  • Lead: 2 ppb
  • Cadmium: 1.6 ppb
  • Mercury: <0.141 ppb

 

Apples, Sweet Potatoes & Granola Clearly Crafted Organic Baby Food (Stage 2)

  • Total arsenic: 3.6 ppb
  • Inorganic arsenic: (not measurable)
  • Lead: 5.2 ppb
  • Cadmium: 1. 5 ppb
  • Mercury: <0.142 ppb

 

Does Happy Baby Organic Formula Have Heavy Metals?

The following HappyBABY Organic Food products also have measurable toxic heavy metal content but are within government regulations: (11)

  • Organic Infant Formula with Iron (0-12 months)
  • Organics Sweet Potatoes (Stage 1)
  • Organic Pears (Stage 1)
  • Clearly Crafted Prunes Organic Baby Food (Stage 1)
  • Simple Combos Apples, Spinach & Kale (Stage 2)

 

Consumer Reports Food Safety Test

Consumer Reports tested 50 baby foods for heavy metals in 2018: (12)

  • Nearly 68% of baby foods may have high levels of at least one toxic metal.
  • At least 15 baby foods can have potential health risks if eaten daily
  • Products with sweet potatoes or rice may contain higher toxic metal levels
  • Organic foods may have the same amount of heavy metals as conventional baby foods

 

Baby Foods With Limited Daily Intake

Based on their tests, these products are categorized as “more concern. ” Parents are advised to follow these daily serving limits: (12)

 

Happy Baby Organics 

  • Organic Probiotic Baby Cereal (<3 servings)
  • Organics Superfood Puffs, Apple & Broccoli (<1 serving)
  • Organics Superfood Puffs, Purple Carrot & Blueberry (<1 serving)

 

Earth’s Best Organic

  • Chicken & Brown Rice (<1 serving)
  • Sunny Days Snack Bars, Strawberry (<1 serving)
  • Whole Grain Oatmeal Cereal (<2.5 servings)
  • Sweet Potatoes, 1st Stage (<0.5 serving)
  • Whole Grain Rice Cereal (<1 serving)

 

Baby Mum-Mum 

  • Banana Rice Rusks (<3 servings)
  • Vegetable Rice Rusks (3 servings)

 

Beech-Nut 

  • Classics Sweet Potatoes (<0. 5 serving)
  • Complete Rice Single Grain Baby Cereal (<3 servings)
  • Complete Oatmeal Whole Grain Baby Cereal (<2.5 servings)
  • Organic Oatmeal Whole Grain Baby Cereal (<2.5 servings)

 

Plum Organics 

  • Little Yums Organic Teething Wafers, Pumpkin & Banana (<5.5 servings)
  • Just Sweet Potato Organic Baby Food (<1 serving)
  • Mighty Sticks Whole Grain Snacks, Berry Beet (<1.5 servings)

 

Gerber 

  • Turkey & Rice (<1 serving)
  • Lil’ Meals flavor White Turkey Stew With Rice and Vegetables (<0.5 serving)
  • Carrot, Pear & Blackberry (<1 serving)
  • Carrots Peas & Corn With Lil’ Bits (<1 serving)
  • Oatmeal Single Grain Cereal (<2.5 servings)
  • Organic Oatmeal Cereal (<2. 5 servings)
  • Graduates Arrowroot Cookies (<6 servings)
  • Graduates Cinnamon Graham Animal Crackers (<4.5 servings)
  • Graduates Banana Cookies (<4 servings)
  • Graduates Waffle Wheels Puffed Grain Snack, Banana Cream (<3 servings)
  • Graduates Lil’ Biscuits Vanilla Wheat (<2.5 servings)
  • Graduates Cereal Bars, Strawberry Banana (<1.5 servings)

 

Parent’s Choice (Walmart)

  • Little Puffs Cereal Snack, Strawberry Apple (<1.5 servings)

 

Sprout Organic 

  • Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack, Apple Kale (<1.5 servings)
  • Garden Vegetables Brown Rice With Turkey (<1 serving)

 

Baby Foods With No Daily Limits

Because they have low levels of heavy metals, based on the same report, these products are categorized as “less concern” (no daily limits): (2)(12)

 

Happy Baby Organics 

  • Purple Carrots, Bananas, Avocados & Quinoa

 

Ella’s Kitchen 

  • Apples + Strawberries Nibbly Fingers

 

Gerber 

  • Graduates Puffs Cereal Snack, Strawberry Apple
  • Lil’ Beanies Baked Snack Made With Beans, White Cheddar & Broccoli
  • Lil’ Crunchies Baked Corn Snack Mild Cheddar
  • Lil’ Crunchies Baked Corn Snack Vanilla Maple
  • Organic Puffs, Puffed Grain Snack, Apple
  • Lil’ Entrées Chicken & Brown Rice With Peas & Corn
  • Grabbers Strong Veggies, Broccoli, Carrot, Banana, Pineapple
  • Organic Peas, Carrots & Beets
  • Breakfast Buddies Hot Cereal With Real Fruit, Apple Cinnamon

 

Beech-Nut 

  • Classics Apple, Pear & Banana
  • Naturals Carrot, Broccoli, Apple & Strawberry
  • Organic Just Apple & Green Beans
  • Organic Peas, Green Beans, and Avocado
  • Quinoa Crispies, Vanilla

 

Other Companies In The Congressional Report On Toxic Baby Foods

Aside from Nurture, Inc. , these baby food makers were also listed on the Congressional reports: (1)(2)

 

Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics) Results

These test results for Plum Organics Organic Baby Food (flavor: Just Sweet Potato) are from an HBBF (Healthy Babies Bright Futures) report: (11)

 

Mercury:

  • Less than 0.142 ppb

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 3.1 ppb

 

Lead:

  • Up to 5.6 ppb (exceeds the 5-ppb limit)

 

Cadmium:

  • Up to 2.3 ppb

 

In the second Congressional Report, Plum Organics’ test results were finally included. But these showed much higher levels of arsenic and other toxic metals than the HBBF data: (2)

  • Arsenic: Over 200 ppb arsenic (in 100% of Plum’s Super Puff rice-based products)
  • Lead: Over 5 ppb lead (in 54. 5% of Plum Organics products)
  • Cadmium: Over 5 ppb cadmium (in 38.3% of Plum Organics products)

 

Gerber Products Company

Gerber only conducts heavy metal tests in raw materials, not finished products. (1)

 

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury.

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 90 ppb (ingredient: rice flour)

 

Lead:

  • Up to 48 ppb (ingredient: sweet potatoes)

 

Cadmium:

  • Over 5 ppb in carrots (in 75% of raw ingredients)
  • Up to 87 ppb (ingredient: carrot batches)
  • No test for cadmium (other raw materials)

 

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

Hain told the Subcommittee Report that it doesn’t test for heavy metals in finished products. Instead, “theoretical calculations” are based on the ingredients’ results. (1)

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 309 ppb (for ingredients)
  • Up to 129 ppb (for finished products)

 

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury.

 

Lead:

  • Up to 352 ppb (for raw materials)

 

Cadmium:

  • Up to 260 ppb (for ingredients)

 

Walmart Inc. (Parent’s Choice)

Walmart reportedly refused to provide the Subcommittee with results or internal standards. The following results are from HBBF: (1)(11)

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 108 ppb (version: Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks)
  • Up to 56.1 ppb (version: Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack)

 

Mercury:

  • Up to 2.05 ppb (version: Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks)
  • Up to 0. 941 ppb (version: Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack)

 

Lead:

  • Up to 26.9 ppb (version: Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks)
  • Up to 5.2 ppb (version: Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack)

 

Cadmium:

  • Up to 26.1 ppb (version: Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack)
  • Up to 2.4 ppb (version: Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks)

 

Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)

According to the Subcommittee, the company never responded. These test results for Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack (Apple Kale) are from the HBBF report: (1)(11)

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • Up to 107 ppb

 

Mercury:

  • Up to 1.31 ppb

 

Lead:

  • Up to 39.3 ppb

 

Cadmium:

  • Up to 41. 5 ppb

 

Beech-Nut Nutrition Company (Beech-Nut)

Mercury:

  • No test for mercury.

 

Inorganic Arsenic:

  • More than 300 ppb (in ingredients or 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)

 

Which Baby Food Is Safest?

These may be some of the best organic baby foods that may be a healthier alternative for these commercial products:

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

 

Preparing Healthier Alternatives At Home

Considering that many baby foods readily available on supermarket shelves may have high levels of toxic metal content, some parents opt to make their children’s food at home.

If you plan on making your baby’s food at home, you may try the following ingredients: (2) 

  • Quality meats, poultry, or fish
  • Healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee)
  • Whole or puree vegetables and fruits (avocados, apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, and strawberries) but avoid processed fruit juices
  • Applesauce (unsweetened)
  • Organic eggs 
  • Bone broth
  • Raw yogurt
  • Coconut yogurt 
  • Quinoa 
  • Oats 

 

REFERENCES

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

(2) https://oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/ECP%20Second%20Baby%20Food%20Report%209.29.21%20FINAL.pdf

(3) https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/01/fda-acts-quickly-with-baby-food-warning/

(4) https://www. happyfamilyorganics.com/bars-quality-and-safety/

(5) https://www.happyfamilyorganics.com/bars-quality-and-safety/

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

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

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

(9) https://www.epa.gov/mercury/what-epa-doing-reduce-mercury-pollution-and-exposures-mercury

(10) https://www.fox5ny.com/news/high-lead-levels-found-in-2-happy-tot–baby-food-products-lawsuit-alleges

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

(12) https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/heavy-metals-in-baby-food/

 

 

 

Benefits of organic baby food - Articles about baby food from pediatricians and MAMAKO experts

Components of food products are building blocks for all organs and tissues of the human body, so the state of health is determined by the quality, digestibility, biological and energy value of food. It creates the prerequisites for the proper development of the body and its functioning in the future.

Specialists, scientists, physicians associate the increase in the incidence of children over the past century with changes in diet. From the first years of life, a child's body is extremely susceptible to various undesirable and harmful components, such as toxins, allergens, which are often food additives of chemical origin.

The popularity of natural and organic products has exploded in the last decade as more consumers recognize their health benefits. The supply is formed by demand, therefore, food products appear on the market every year, which are characterized by a high degree of safety, attractive consumer properties, the presence of well-digestible proteins and micronutrients, minerals and vitamins that are important for the formation of a healthy body.

It is a balanced and healthy diet based on optimally selected food products that will provide children with full development, good physical shape and mood, and the formation of rational eating habits.

Baby food is generally characterized by high nutritional value and good taste, safety, balanced composition. But the variety of terms on the label, such as "natural", "ecological", "farm", "organic", indicating the beneficial properties of the content, often confuse consumers, and in some cases are contradictory and misleading.

What is the difference between these definitions, what do they mean, what are the characteristics of food products? What are the benefits of additional quality criteria, such as being labeled "organic"?

natural products are products that consist of natural, natural ingredients and do not contain chemical additives or impurities. At the same time, the term “natural product” can be interpreted in a completely different way, since the presence of this phrase on the package does not guarantee the absence of chemical additives in its contents: the manufacturer is not obliged to track the sources of raw materials, materials, and the technological process for preparing such products.

Farm products are grown and produced on privately owned farms and in most cases non-industrial. The term "farm products" has gained a lot of popularity in recent years: it began to be often placed on labels. But sometimes the use of the "farm product" status is speculative, as the packaging doesn't say how the ingredients were produced. Due to the fact that there are no legislative acts on the quality of farm products, it is possible that they can be produced using herbicides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones, and so on.

The composition of organic products excludes the presence of additives of artificial origin, such as preservatives, dyes, flavors, flavor enhancers, as well as the use of genetically modified organisms. The raw materials used in the production of organic food are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, growth regulators. It is believed that the consequence of compliance with such conditions is the absence of chemical additives in organic raw materials. This gives the products an improved taste, a more pronounced aroma, and ensures their complete chemical composition.


The dominant difference that distinguishes organic products is the strict requirements for the quality of their ingredients, production technology, as well as the conditions under which the raw materials for their production were obtained:

  • organic products are produced in environmentally friendly regions, natural conditions, away from megacities, highways, industrial areas. Ecological agriculture helps to preserve the environment and provide future generations with a healthy and comfortable life;
  • only genetically modified and untreated seeds are used in the cultivation of cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits and other organic products. Plants grow naturally. Chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, hormones, growth stimulants are not used in organic agriculture;
  • finished organic products do not contain flavors, dyes, emulsifiers, stabilizers, preservatives and other additives of artificial origin;
  • in order to confirm the status of "organic", the food product is subjected to mandatory regulatory and systematic quality control "from grain to counter". Quality control is carried out by authorized state services - accredited certification bodies, as well as laboratories of the manufacturer itself;

A food product that has successfully passed the entire quality control cycle, and this is confirmed by certification bodies, receives the appropriate certificate, and a special “organic” mark is applied to its packaging: this distinguishes it from other products.

Therefore, a specific mark and label for organic products is used in relation to the production process and products, confirming that they have been produced and processed in an environmentally friendly way, and that all principles of organic production have been respected “from farm to consumer table”. The sign and the label are elements that confirm the quality of the production process, and not just the product itself.

Therefore, certified organic products are products that are produced, processed, packaged in strict compliance with specifications or government standards and then certified as "organic". The definition means that the product is produced with the exception of toxic effects on the environment, does not contain agrochemicals, pesticides, in its production did not use genetically modified seeds or products, hormones, chemicals, it is free from transgenic organisms and so on.

Organic products can be obtained on your own farm, that is, by self-breeding animals, growing vegetables, fruits, grain crops, which is accompanied by soil quality control and excludes the use of chemical fertilizers, hormones to accelerate the growth of plants and animals and protect them from diseases. Compliance with all the necessary conditions is a rather complicated process.

The second way to produce organic food is to buy organic raw materials.

As a result of fulfilling all the listed requirements and production conditions, organic products do not contain traces of pesticides, chemical additives, mycotoxins and other things, which makes it possible to limit the impact of such substances on the body of children. Infants are more susceptible than adults to the possible negative effects of various undesirable components.

Organic products are distinguished by their taste and higher nutritional value: on average, they contain 20-50% more vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances compared to products produced using traditional technologies.

For example, organic baby cereals have advantages over conventional ones: a more balanced amino acid composition, a higher content of vitamins and minerals than with traditional methods of growing grain crops, which means that the composition and taste of organic cereals are much better and richer . At the same time, the range of organic cereals harmoniously complements the always available conventional baby food cereals, which are characterized by excellent taste, high nutritional value and safety due to strict requirements for baby food in the world and Russia, careful selection of raw materials and materials, strict technical and chemical control of technological production process.

Thus, organic and traditional baby food is a unique case when “healthy” does not mean “tasteless”, and the properties “healthy” and “tasty” harmoniously combine, complement and balance each other.

* Breast milk is the best food for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding after complementary foods are introduced until the age of 2 years. Before introducing new products into the baby's diet, you should consult with a specialist. The material is for informational purposes and cannot replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For feeding children from birth.

Is it possible to lose weight on baby food reviews

Dramatic Weight Loss On Nervous Soil Proper Nutrition Blog Saransk Mama Koshka Parent Meeting Protocol On Proper Nutrition How To Lose 8 Kg Per Week At Home Is it possible to lose weight quickly on baby food? kilograms in just a week. This is an amazing result, the main thing is to gather all the will into a fist and adhere to all recommendations and restrictions. It is forbidden to independently increase the duration of the diet. If you do this, it is easy to harm the stomach. He will stop digesting solid food normally, as he will get used to pureed food.

There are several options for this food system: you can simply replace one of the meals with a delicious jar or create a whole weekly menu. Below you will find such an option. This is the strictest diet in the baby food diet. There are others - it is permissible to supplement the daily diet with products from the list of allowed ones. This is the strictest option, which will require willpower and a real desire to lose weight. The menu cannot be supplemented with any foreign products.

Is it possible to lose weight on baby food reviews for the month

The results will amaze you. In just 7 days, if you strictly adhere to the menu and recommendations, you can really lose 5 to 7 kilograms of excess weight. After a week of following such a strict diet, the gastrointestinal tract should get used to solid food and digestion of heavy food.

Here are the main recommendations that will help you to follow a diet based on baby food without problems and psychological discomfort: Feed your child with the usual products brought with you. If you give baby food, calculate the required number of jars for the entire period, including the journey, based on the daily diet. Do not forget about a snack: cookies, juices, fruit mixes. Drink clean water often. Talk to your pediatrician about specific drugs and purchase everything in advance. Pharmacies at the airport do not always have rare medicines in stock, and prices are much higher than in the city.

Is it possible to lose weight on baby food reviews lose weight in the hips

To make it more interesting for the baby to play with sand, buy all kinds of toys - shovels, a bucket and molds. They are light and do not take up much space in luggage. Favorite toys brought with you will help to entertain the baby and create a homely atmosphere.

Be sure to take an inflatable ring with you, even if the baby already knows how to swim. After a hot day comes a cool evening. A sweater or windbreaker will do. ¿Eres fans de la comida colombiana? La cultura gastronómica de esta nación latinoamericana se ha visto influenciada por la fusión de alimentos, habilidades y tradiciones…

Is it possible to lose weight on baby food reviews without sports

¿Eres fan de la cultura gastronómica de Costa Rica? Esta hermosa nación ubicada en America Central cuenta con una amplia cultura gastronómica. Que se evidencia… Es importante que los niños beban mucha agua, junto con la fibra son esenciales para el eficaz funcionamiento de la digestión y del tracto intestinal.

Es la fibra que aporta volumen a las heces y ayuda a que los alimentos pasen más rápido a través del estómago y los intestinos. A continuación mencionamos los alimentos con fibra que los niños deberían consumir a diario: salvado de trigo es el producto vegetal con mayor cantidad de fibra, así como la avena

Is it possible to lose weight on baby food reviews at home

Is there anything else you need to know? Of course, yes. Learn the fundamental differences between low-carb and ketogenic diets and decide Recently, in bodybuilding circles, you can often hear the terms #171; and #171;ketogenic#187; diet . Nutrition in oncology: advice from a dietitian, diet and special nutrition in radiation therapy. The most important thing in organizing the nutrition of patients after radiation therapy is the diversity of the daily diet, you can not get hung up on some of the same dishes and products.

Children who received free food as a measure of social support were completely transferred to baby food produced by the dairy industry. The benefit remains. It is still possible to get food for free today for children of the first two years. . . Nutritionist Victoria Bolbat, who blogs about losing weight, struggled with being overweight herself. For GO .TUT .BY, she told how she went through diets, fasting days and bulimia to become 30 kg slimmer, having discovered that happiness is not in weight. Photo: from the personal archive of the heroine. A woman's nutrition during pregnancy can be divided into three periods. Thus, we repeat once again, the diet of a nursing mother should not differ in any way from her nutrition. baby food. In the case of a child prone to allergies, the mother will need to. . . How To Lose 8 Kg In A Week At Home

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6 on an isolated storage jar in hipp baby food storage by hand in front of a shelf Shelf with organic hipp baby food in a german supermarket Children's sanatoriums and camps. Recreation centers and estates. Hotels and apartments. When it comes to healthy and proper nutrition, women often want to count calories and eat low-fat. And what about their diets, where one cabbage and boiled chicken is good? Pancreas Symptoms And Treatment Diet In addition to non-drug methods for preventing atherosclerosis and lowering cholesterol levels (diet, maintaining body weight, physical activity, no bad habits), drug therapy is needed, incl. antiplatelet agents and statins. usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/4d0b9e_2ab2a53f868440ec8a3183d76a92064f~mv2.jpg#187; width=#187;550#8243; alt=#187;Baby Food Diet Forum#187; title=#187;Baby Food Diet Forum#187;>

Baby Food Diet Forum #8212; Slimming Diet Proper Nutrition Cat Food Purina Proplan Veterinary Diet to protect from the sun, fabric with UV protection and a water-repellent coating. Be sure to include a rain cover and a mosquito net. Often, manufacturers complete the stroller with a carrying handle or a bag, which greatly facilitates transportation. To make it more interesting for the baby to play with sand, buy all kinds of toys - shovels, a bucket and molds. They are light and do not take up much space in luggage. - neoprene slippers are best suited for this, they do not slip and help protect the legs from various debris, glass, shells or stones. For the little ones, it is better to buy a bathing suit with long sleeves, preferably in a bright color, so that the baby is always in sight.

The little man gets tired quickly, asks to be held, is naughty. Be sure to bring a stroller with you. Favorite toys brought with you will help to entertain the baby and create a homely atmosphere. Bring wet wipes and disinfectant liquid, as well as mosquito repellent! Sights of Portugal: the most interesting cities and areas of the country It is preferable to use ready-made canned baby food. According to the degree of grinding, industrial-made purees can be homogenized for children 4-6 months old; puree for children from 6 to 9months; coarsely ground for children from 9 to 12 months.

Vegetable purees contain useful substances and fiber that help to improve the child's stool, at the same time, puree is a smooth transition Detailed recipes for babies up to a year old can be found on children's websites. The main thing is to focus on the following rules Diet menu for childhood obesity. Taking into account a wide list of allowed foods, make the right diet for a child vegetable soup or beetroot, boiled chicken, fruit jelly with honey; carrot or mashed potatoes, lean fish or meat. . . CHILDREN'S MENU . Mushroom soup puree. You will need: onion - 1 pc., butter - 1 tbsp. l ., wheat flour - 2 tbsp. l ., water Using an immersion blender, turn the soup into a puree, decorate it with parsley and serve, you can with crackers. In addition, therapeutic (dietary) nutrition is prescribed to the child by a doctor according to indications based on age-related physiological norms of the daily need of children for nutrients and is used in the form of specially formulated diets.

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