Stainless Steel Baby Bottles: Safer than Plastic? See the article at Contemporary Pediatrics, de Paiva, E. L., Morgano, M. A., & Arisseto-Bragotto, A. P. (2019). Now let's consider baby cereals: non-rice based. Instead, they increased their maximum levels so these products could pass. Instead, theoretical calculations are done based on the raw ingredients results. (9)(10), A class suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York City, New York, in February 2021 claims that Hain misleadingly portrays its Earths Best Organic products as time-trusted and safe and are made from pure ingredients to help children grow up strong and healthy. (9), Another lawsuit was filed against the makers of Earths Best Organic, Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Happy Baby for producing baby foods with toxic metals that allegedly caused harm to at least seven children diagnosed with autism in Las Vegas, Nevada. Full List of Kids Foods Containing Cancer-causing Herbicide, 1968 S. Coast Hwy, #1103, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Contemporary Pediatrics,36(12), 14-14. On behalf of consumers nationwide, we intend to hold Hain accountable. Overall, the best organic baby formulastend to show lower levels of heavy metals. This site is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. In their study, the HBBF tested for 4 different toxic heavy metals in 61 baby food brands and 168 different food and formula products: lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and an additional neurotoxin called perchlorate. (4), Heavy metals, even in low concentrations, can negatively impact your babys brain development. Still, the toxic chemicals in food may come from contaminated water or soil due to, may also be possible from tainted machinery or manufacturing processes used in making, , even in low concentrations, can negatively impact your, and the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) call for the. Hain Celestial Group Inc. said that it has distributed 4,072 cases of the specified individual jars with 24 jars per case and 38,298 variety packs with the specified jars. Current Opinion in Food Science,30, 60-66. See the article at Science of the Total Environment. Certain plants, particularly rice, absorb heavy metals in the soil and water more than others. Earths Best Baby Food Recall 2022: Everything You Need To Know, know it but are getting away with selling these tainted items to unsuspecting customers. The vegetable puree winner with the lowest overall Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium levels is Gerber Pea Sitter (Stage 2). (1), The following are some of Earths Best baby foods tested in the HBBF study: (1), Earths Best Chicken and Brown Rice Organic Baby Food, 6+ months, Earths Best Sweet Potatoes Organic Baby Food, 4+ months, Earths Best Sesame Street Organic Peanut Butter Baked Corn Puffs, Earths Best Sunny Days Snack Bars Sweet Potato Carrot, The following Earths Best products also have measurable toxic heavy metal content, but all are within government regulations: (1), In 2018, Consumer Reports tested 50 baby foods for heavy metals. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has published results of a new study demonstrating With all the changes in recommendations over the years, introducing your baby to solid Mommyhood101 is funded by parents like you! (1), Whats alarming is that 26% of these tested baby foods have all four toxic chemicals in a single container. (1)(6)(7), According to the Subcommittee, these companies knew that their products had dangerous levels of heavy metals but didnt correct them to meet government regulations. While most companies perform internal testing for heavy metals, they still allow dangerously high levels of heavy metals to occur in ingredients and final products. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. (11), Whole or pured vegetables and fruits (avocados, apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, and strawberries), Healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee), Avoid using brown rice (higher levels of inorganic arsenic content than white rice). (4), and are best eaten in moderation (with daily serving limits): (4), Sunny Days Snack Bars, Strawberry (<1 serving), Whole Grain Oatmeal Cereal (<2.5 servings), Organics Superfood Puffs, Apple & Broccoli (<1 serving), Organics Superfood Puffs, Purple Carrot & Blueberry (<1 serving), Lil Meals flavor White Turkey Stew With Rice and Vegetables (<0.5 serving), Carrots Peas & Corn With Lil Bits (<1 serving), Oatmeal Single Grain Cereal (<2.5 servings), Graduates Arrowroot Cookies (<6 servings), Graduates Cinnamon Graham Animal Crackers (<4.5 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), Little Yums Organic Teething Wafers, Pumpkin & Banana (<5.5 servings), Mighty Sticks Whole Grain Snacks, Berry Beet (<1.5 servings), Little Puffs Cereal Snack, Strawberry Apple (<1.5 servings), for consumption, based on the same report: (4), Naturals Carrot, Broccoli, Apple & Strawberry, Purple Carrots, Bananas, Avocados & Quinoa, 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, Grabbers Strong Veggies, Broccoli, Carrot, Banana, Pineapple, Breakfast Buddies Hot Cereal With Real Fruit, Apple Cinnamon, Other Popular Baby Food Companies In The Congressional Reports, by the Subcommittee. Carrots and sweet potato products also tend to contain high cadmium levels. Beal, J. Exposure to these types of metals during infancy and childhood has been shown to cause neurological problems in the developing brains of children. Waste water runoff in agricultural fields, streams, and rivers contributes to soils with heavy metal content that shows up in rice and several vegetables, particularly root vegetables. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. The baby food manufacturers know it but are getting away with selling these tainted items to unsuspecting customers. In general, avoid the Sprout prunes organic baby food (high Lead), and Beech-Nut Classics Mixed Vegetables (high Lead). You should not take action based upon this information without consulting legal counsel. The Congressional Report detailing the levels of toxic heavy metals in baby foods like Earths Best Organic has sparked a number of product liability lawsuits against Hain Celestial by parents claiming that their children developed autism (or other disorders). The Congressional Report found harmful levels of toxic metals in baby food products from 7 of the biggest manufacturers in the U.S., including Hain Celestial Group, which sells baby food products under the popular brand Earths Best Organic. A more comprehensive study was published in 2020 which found the same positive association between exposure to mercury, arsenic, and cadmium during infancy and higher rates of autism. This pathogen can cause botulism (a severe form of food poisoning). The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon any single source of information, including advertising on this website. A. 12 of the 13 formulas exceeded the AAP and EDF limit of 1 ppb (parts per billion) of Lead. A recent investigation revealed that Earths Best Organic baby food (manufactured by Hain Celestial Group, Inc.) contains dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Occurrence and determination of inorganic contaminants in baby food and infant formula. government regulations. (5) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canadian-watchdog-warns-consumers-about-recalled-, .gov/food/metals-and-your-food/arsenic-food-and-dietary-supplements, (9) https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/hain-celestial-latest-, (11) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/, https://motherhoodcommunity.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Similac Sensitive, Similac Pro-Sensitive Vs. Enfamil Gentlease, Best Materials For Toddler Girl Winter Boots, 4 Essential Oils For Sinus Infection Congestion, 4 Essential Oils For Earache & Ear Infections, 3 Scientifically-Proven Ways To Calm Down An Overactive Amygdala, Interview Series: Serenity Kids' Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters, Earths Best Baby Food In Congressional Reports, Earths Best In HBBF Comprehensive Food Safety Test, Earths Best Products Test Results In HBBF Study, Earths Best In Consumer Reports Food Safety Test, Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY, HappyTOTS, And Happy Family Organics), Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics) Results, Reducing Heavy Metals in Baby Food Products. These can have high levels of lead or cadmium but are important sources of vitamin A and other nutrients. Drain afterward to help reduce levels of arsenic. The runner-up vegetable puree winner is the Earth's Best Winter Squash Organic (Stage 2). Of the 38 tested vegetable (single and multiple) purees, only 1 contained excessive Arsenic levels (HappyBABY Sweet Potatoes Stage 1). The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy released an investigation report in February 2021 entitled Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury (the Congressional Report). Find out more below. All four of the heavy metals they tested for are considered neurotoxic. See the article at Science of the Total Environment. The baby formula winner with the lowest overall Lead and Cadmium levels is the Gerber Good Start Gentle HM-O and Probiotics Infant Formula with Iron (Stage 1). Arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium are heavy metals that are acutely toxic to the human body. (11), It also requires baby food manufacturers to test both ingredients and finished products. Our firm is currently seeking toxic baby food lawsuits. (5), Restricted breathing or even death in severe cases, Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, were the only brands that submitted their results and internal policies for the first. None of the formulas exceeded the HBBF limit of 25ppb of Arsenic. The runner-up with the second-lowest overall Lead and Cadmium levels is the Baby's Only Organic Non-GMO Dairy Toddler Formula. However, they had set much higher maximum limits than, for similar foods. Use of this site is subject to our, Rest assured that as doctoral-level scientists, parents, and the owners of this small business, we have over 20 years of combined experience testing and reviewing over 2400 different baby and toddler products. (11), Under this law, the FDA needs to create and strictly implement baby food regulations with much lower maximum heavy metal limits than the current standards. to these reports? But regular intake of these foods may increase the risk of developing these health problems. We agree with the Committee that baby food manufacturers, like Hain, hold a special position of public trust because consumers believe that they would not sell products that are unsafe. Pesticide and herbicide sprays compound the issue by spraying fruits and vegetables with toxins that contaminate the foods. Organic baby foods may actually contain higher levels of heavy metals because even though they dont use pesticides, they are made from ingredients like brown rice which absorb these metals from the soil and water as they grow. (1)(2), Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earths Best Organic) is among the popular name brands in the recent Congressional baby food safety reports released last February and September 2021. (5), with UPC 23923-20223 and expiry date of September 14, 2008, Wholesome Breakfast Variety Pack (12 pack) with UPC 23923-20295 and expiry date of September 13, 2008, No illnesses have been reported relevant to this, . On February 4, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy and Committee on Oversight and Reform issued a report with findings that included: Hain Celestial Group, Inc.s Earths Best Organic baby food products are tainted with significant levels of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. (2), The company set internal limits that are higher than FDA standards: (2), But they still released products with toxic content much higher than their internal testing standards: (2), According to the follow-up report released by the House Subcommittee in September 2021 based on independent tests conducted by the state of Alaska, the companies still produce the same products with harmful heavy metal content. What was the response of the other popular baby food manufacturers to these reports? Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The following are data from the HBBF report: (1)(2), The company never responded to the Subcommittee. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing,45(2), 125. The runner-up with the second-lowest overall levels of these heavy metals is the HappyBABY Oats & Quinoa Baby Cereal, Organic Whole Grains with Iron. (2), The company set internal limits that are higher than, According to the follow-up report released by the House Subcommittee in September 2021 based on independent tests conducted by the state of Alaska, the companies still produce the same products with harmful, mentioned in the first report notified the public of their, content or recalled the tainted products. (1), HBBF commissioned independent tests of 168 baby foods from 61 brands. Prepare rice using larger amounts of water (6 to 10 parts water to 1 part rice). The FDAs maximum safe level for lead in drinking water is 5 ppb and 20 ppb for juice. (2020). Reviews: Everything You Need To Know About The HappyBABY Organic Food Recall 2022, Whats The Best Wearable Breast Pump? The case settled and I got a lot more money than I expected. (4), Still, Consumer Reports warned that young children exposed to other toxic chemical sources (such as lead paint or contaminated water) can have increased risks. Heavy Metals in Baby Food: What Providers and Parents Need to Know. The Congressional Report found that 75% of the ingredients used by Hain Celestial to make Earths Best Organic baby food contained cadmium in excess of 5 ppb. Yet the results showed alarmingly high levels of toxic metals. (4), warned that young children exposed to other toxic chemical sources (such as lead paint or contaminated water) can have increased risks. These test results must be released to parents and regulatory agencies. Heres Everything You Need To Know, Interview Series: Serenity Kids Founders On Raising Healthy & Adventurous Eaters. All tested baby foods contained heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Of the 12 teething biscuits and rice cakes, all but one (the Cuetara Animal Crackers) showed unacceptably high levels of Arsenic. There are no guidelines for Mercury contents, but the good news is that they were all much lower than what is typically found in a can of tuna fish (about 50-300ppb). They found concerning results for even the best organic baby foodsand best organic formulas. In general, avoid sweet potato purees and Gerber products containing carrots. (2)(3), None of the baby food companies mentioned in the first report notified the public of their heavy metal content or recalled the tainted products. However, they had set much higher maximum limits than FDA standards for similar foods. Mercury ranks third after arsenic and lead in terms of the most toxic of the heavy metals at issue in the Congressional Report on baby foods. A 2014 study was one of the first to evaluate the impact of prenatal and early infancy exposures to mercury. You may ask us to send you further information about us, and we urge you to review other sources of information about us. The independent study showed that all the packaged baby foods tested have measurable levels of at least one toxic metal. The results of the study were alarming, and we review them below. I am so grateful that I was lucky to pick Miller & Zois. Toxic metals detected in nearly all baby foods. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship. The recent Congressional report was motivated by a study released by the non-profit Healthy Babies Bright Future (HBBF) organization. The group tested for lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and an additional neurotoxin called perchlorate. 33 of the 38 tested vegetable purees contained excessive levels of Lead, especially the Sweet Potato purees. 6 of the 13 formulas exceeded the CR limit of 1ppb of Cadmium. increased their internal limits to several times the, Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (makers of Earths Best Organic) told the Subcommittee that it doesnt test for, content. We agree with the Committee that baby food manufacturers, like Hain, hold a special position of public trust because consumers believe that they would not sell products that are unsafe. Of the 30 tested fruit purees and fruit and vegetable blends, all of them contained acceptable Arsenic levels. A similar study on children in Korea was published 3 years later and found a similar connection between exposure to mercury and autism/ADD rates. explained that eating these foods doesnt automatically, cause health and growth issues for your baby. They quite literally worked as hard as if not harder than the doctors to save our lives. We do not recommend any of the teething snacks, given generally high heavy metals content. Enfamil and Similac Overview Did you know that 95% of baby food products contain harmful chemicals and toxic metals and many Overview Are you searching for a hands-free wearable breast pump for your breastfeeding needs so you can pump even Self-Care Rituals & Self-Love Practices To Support You & Your Family. The Congressional Report does not offer any information about the levels of mercury in Earths Best Organic baby foods because Hain Celestial does not test for mercury in its products or ingredients. Did they issue a recall on their tainted products? (4), At least fifteen baby foods tested by Consumer Reports may pose potential health risks, even if eaten just once a day. While a few exposures might not cause problems, repeated low-level exposure has been shown to be a potent neurotoxin in humans, leading to cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and health issues early on and later in life. Ron helped me find a clear path that ended with my foot healing and a settlement that was much more than I hope for. (2), The Subcommittee said that Campbell Soup Company refused to submit their internal standards or actual test results but insisted that their baby foods meet criteria. (2), So, the Subcommittee released these test results for Plum Organics (variant: Just Sweet Potato) from the HBBF report: (1), Test results from Plum Organics were published in the new report by the Subcommittee. Arsenic exposure was recently linked to higher autism rates in a meta-analysis study published in 2019 by a research team at the University of Buffalo. These reports showed that several popular brands knowingly released, Baby Food recalls in response to the baby food safety reports. So, Consumer Reports and the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) call for the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 to be passed into law. Instead, theoretical calculations are done based on the raw ingredients results. Gardener, H., Bowen, J., & Callan, S. P. (2019). The Congressional Report contains the findings from an investigation into allegations that major baby foods were being sold with high levels of toxic heavy metals. The independent study showed that all the packaged, tested have measurable levels of at least one toxic metal. The materials appearing on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We never publish any content related to the health or well-being of your child without first consulting with expert pediatricians, midwives, therapists, OB/GYNs, and other specialists as appropriate. The last case I referred to them settled for $1.2 million. And all 12 showed generally low Mercury levels. If you bought these products, you may contact the company at 1-800-434-4246 for a refund. (5), The FDA warned that botulism can cause: (5). Gerber Baby Food & Snacks Recall 2022: What Happened & Which Products Were Affected? That study, released in October 2019, caused widespread concern among parents about the safety of traditional and organic baby foods and formulas. High blood levels of mercury in toddlers have also been positively associated with increased rates of autism. The exact levels of these harmful metals found in the various food brands are detailed in the Congressional Report. Since we started this site in 2009, over 100 million parents and parents-to-be have trusted us to provide honest and well-researched information on the topics of pregnancy, parenting, and baby and toddler gear reviews. Thirteen different baby formulas were tested, including organic and conventional baby formula types. New York140 BroadwayNew York, NY 10005212-907-0700, Delaware222 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1510Wilmington, DE 19801302-573-2540, Washington, D.C.1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500Washington, D.C. 20036212-907-0700. Hains internal company standards permit dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals and, worse, Hain sold products with toxic heavy metal levels that exceeded even its own reckless policy. must be released to parents and regulatory agencies. Please submit your information to join us in our cause. Aside from the Congressional Subcommittees reports, other baby food safety reports have also shown the worrisome status of the baby food industry in the US. Higher rates of autism have been linked to regular exposure to heavy metals during gestation, infancy and childhood. Even at very small levels, lead exposure is associated with a range of adverse health conditions, specifically neurologic and cognitive developmental issues in children. See the article at Contemporary Pediatrics, See the article at Current Opinion in Food Science, Unsafe Plastics: Time to Switch to Glass Baby Bottles. See the article at AJMCN. In a secret PowerPoint presentation to the FDA, Hain revealed: Its policy was to test only the raw ingredients andnotthe finished product, and that in 100% of the tested finished products, the level of inorganic arsenic was higher than estimated off the raw ingredients; Many of its baby food products were tainted with inorganic arsenic; and. (2)(3). Exposure to arsenic in infancy and early childhood ihas been link not only to neurologic problems, but it can also damage the central nervous system. (2)(3)(4). Lead is regarded as the second most dangerous of the heavy metals that are known to post a threat to human health. Specifically big offenders, according to the report, were Walmart (Parent's Choice), Sprout Organic, and Plum Organics. (10), The first Congressional Report was used as the basis of this lawsuit, with the companies accused of knowingly selling tainted baby foods to unsuspecting parents. In 2019, an HBBF (Healthy Babies Bright Futures) report showed that as much as 95% of baby foods from different brands sold in the US might have high levels of toxic heavy metals. Note that this article was updated in response to the new Staff Report from the U.S. House of Representatives, specifically the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, Committee on Oversight and Reform. All tested products had very low Mercury levels. (11). According to the Congressional Report, Hain used ingredients for Earths Best Organic containing as much as 352 ppb lead --- 70 times the FDA maximum safe limit for water. (4), Contamination may also be possible from tainted machinery or manufacturing processes used in making baby foods. So, these results still fail government regulations: (2), Heavy metals can be found on the Earths surface. Find out more below. On behalf of consumers nationwide, we intend to hold Hain accountable. Great alternatives are oats, barley, and other mixed whole grains. The impacts add up with each meal or snack a baby eats. All 7 of the tested rice cereals contained high Cadmium levels exceeding the CR limit of 1ppb. Baby Foods Are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury. These, Snack (variation: Apple Kale) are from the HBBF report: (1)(2), . All 12 showed unacceptably high levels of Lead, and 11 showed excessively high levels of Cadmium. or rice can have higher toxic metal levels. Internal documents showed that Hain used ingredients that contained inorganic arsenic as high as 309 ppb. Hain, along with other baby food manufacturers, has broken the publics faith and subjected our most innocent to unnecessary risk. Lowest levels were generally string bean, pea, and squash purees. Radwan, C. M. (2019). We encourage you to read the full report by HBBF, which also reviews the heavy metals and neurotoxins found in kids' juices, snacks (like teething biscuits and rice rusks/cakes), and prepared meals. ), Limit packaged snacks and teething biscuits. These test results for Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack (variation: Apple Kale) are from the HBBF report: (1)(2), Beech-Nut declared that all its ingredients passed internal standards. We do not recommend feeding your baby rice baby cereals, given the alarmingly high Arsenic levels found in all tested products. No recalls on Earths Best Baby Food products have been issued by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) or the company concerning toxic elements in the baby food safety reports. Our national product liability lawyers are currently accepting new cases from children (and their parents) who consumed Earths Best Organic baby foods and were subsequently diagnosed with autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD), or other neurologic health conditions. We suggest reading our HiPP Combiotic, Loulouka, Holle, and Kendamil organic formula reviews. (3), Several class suits have been filed against the companies listed on the first, A class suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York City, New York, in February 2021 claims that Hain misleadingly portrays its, products as time-trusted and safe and are made from pure ingredients to help children grow up strong and healthy. (9), Another lawsuit was filed against the makers of, with toxic metals that allegedly caused harm to at least seven children diagnosed with autism in Las Vegas, Nevada. 3. (4). All 7 of the tested rice cereals contained high Lead levels exceeding the AAP and EDF limits of 1ppb. Test your drinking water for high arsenic levels. Read more about the, HappyBABY Oatmeal Baby Cereal, Organic Whole Grains, Beech-Nut and Gerber Banana purees (Stage 2), Gerber Good Start Gentle HM-O and Probiotics Infant Formula with Iron (Stage 1), Glyphosates found in oatmeal-based baby foods. The acceptable safe levels for mercury are the lowest of all the metals. Additionally, arsenic, cadmium and lead are all carcinogens in humans, meaning that they can cause or increase the risk of cancer. But affected consumers were instructed to dispose of the products, even if these didnt look spoiled or contaminated. The following are data from the HBBF report: (1)(2), (variation: Organic Strawberry Rice Rusks), (variation: Little Hearts Strawberry Yogurt Cereal Snack), The company never responded to the Subcommittee. Limit your babys intake of infant rice cereal (or other infant cereal products. . The Subcommittee findings were based on laboratory testing as well as internal documents voluntarily provided by several baby food manufacturers.