A number of brands of baby food have been found to contain elevated levels of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, leading to lawsuits alleging that some children who were fed baby food found to contain toxic heavy metals were later diagnosed with severe Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Autism/Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Now, a study has identified one possible source of heavy metals in baby food, and the origin may come as a surprise.
Heavy Metals in Baby Food Claims
In February 2021, the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy determined there were heavy metals in baby food from several large baby food manufacturers in the United States. A report in September of that year “also put forth recommendations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the baby food industry to eliminate toxic content in baby foods.”
The heavy metals included arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. These heavy metals were identified in brands like Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics), Gerber, Hain Celestial Group (Earth’s Best organic products), Nurture (Happy Family Organics and Happy Baby products), Sprout organic foods, and Walmart (Parent’s Choice).
Numerous parents decided to file baby food lawsuits to protect their children, with some claims alleging the manufacturers of these popular baby foods knew about heavy metals in their products but continued to market and sell them anyway, despite evidence of significant neurodevelopmental harm in children due to these heavy metals.
Possible Source of Heavy Metals in Baby Food Found
Now, a potential source of heavy metals in baby food has come to light. In new research published in the academic journal Environmental Geochemistry and Health, University of Delaware scientists discovered that flooded rice fields can contain higher amounts of arsenic and lower amounts of cadmium.
“The drier those rice fields are, the lower the amounts of arsenic and the higher the amounts of cadmium,” an article on the discovery on the University of Delaware’s website noted.
Rice, corn, and spinach grown in some parts of the country may have higher levels of heavy metals, and those are often staple ingredients in baby food. But ultimately, no matter where the heavy metals may have come from, manufacturers should still make every effort to be sure the ingredients in these foods are as safe and free of toxins as possible.
Working with a Heavy Metals in Baby Food Attorney
If you or someone you love has a child that you believe suffered health issues after eating baby food with heavy metals in it, you may be able to pursue a case.
Please contact the team at Phillips Law Group for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options in this matter. We offer a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation to discuss your case and to determine how best to move forward. Call 602-222-2222 to find out more today.
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