This year, multiple government reports found that baby foods from several top brands “are tainted with significant levels of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.” While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced some initiatives aimed at reducing heavy metals in baby foods, the consumer attorneys at Wisner Baum believe there is still a long way to go before children are safe from the dangers these tainted products pose.
For example, the FDA has yet to implement comprehensive federal standards regarding toxic heavy metals in baby foods. Unfortunately, this lack of oversight puts pressure on parents to research baby food brands and products for safety.
Our attorneys often get calls from parents who want to know which baby food brands do a good job testing and screening ingredients that add to heavy metals levels. Contrary to the excuses some of the major manufacturers have put out that the heavy metals issue is unavoidable, there are a lot of companies that go to great lengths to make healthy products. Read on for more information on safe baby foods without heavy metals.
Safest Baby Food
One of the best ways to ensure that your child consumes only the highest quality foods is to make your own baby food using quality ingredients. Of course, not all parents have the time or resources necessary to make their own baby food. So if you need to buy premade baby foods, some of the brands that include:
Yumi
In addition to only using organic ingredients, Yumi rigorously tests its products for toxic heavy metals. They test the ingredients they use before processing as well as the finished products.
The company only uses USDA-certified organic ingredients and it only partners with farms that are trusted as USDA-certified organic and Non-GMO Project verified.
Yumi also considers federal soil contamination data to find the best farms for baby food ingredients. The company refrains from including soy, rice, and fruit juice within its products specifically because these ingredients add toxic heavy metals to baby foods.
Once Upon a Farm
Another baby food brand that makes a strong commitment to safe products is Once Upon a Farm. It is a newer brand that is dedicated to providing nutritious baby food products by only using organic and non-GMO ingredients. They also don’t use any preservatives, which means they are perishable and must stay in the refrigerator.
Square Baby
The products that Square Baby sells are all USDA certified organic and non-GMO. They provide a subscription-based service in which they deliver frozen meals to your home based on the schedule you set up. This new brand is solely available for purchase online and they only deliver to the following states at this time:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
Little Spoon
Little Spoon prepares certified USDA organic baby foods, and the majority of its products are highly nutritious. These baby foods arrive at your door fresh, preservative- and pasteurization-free. One thing to keep in mind is that Little Spoon products must be eaten within two weeks or they may spoil.
This company is similar to Square Baby in the sense that it provides its products to customers using a delivery service. It offers a subscription package or you can purchase products without subscribing.
Serenity Kids
Serenity Kids has made a strong commitment to diligently vet each of its suppliers in an effort to only use the cleanest ingredients. This brand solely uses organic vegetables grown on trusted U.S. family farms that regularly conduct soil testing, have comprehensive food safety systems in place, and ensure the most meticulous food safety audit (SQF Level III).
Baby Food Lawyer Videos – watch here.
Other Ways to Reduce Heavy Metals in Your Child’s Diet
Read Food Labels
One of the best things you can do to reduce your child’s exposure to toxic heavy metals is to read food labels before you buy. Pay careful attention to the brand and the first few ingredients listed in the product.
Ingredients are listed in order of prevalence in the product. Some baby food products may emphasize flavors like “kale and pear” or “pumpkin and spinach,” but a closer inspection reveals that the main ingredient is sweet potatoes. As you can see from the ingredients listed in the government reports at the top of this blog, sweet potatoes frequently test high in heavy metals.
It is also wise to avoid rice-based foods, or products including additives such as premade vitamin mixes.
Breastfeeding
If you can, using breastmilk to feed your child is much safer than using infant formula as some of the formulas on the market test high for heavy metals.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), mothers should breastfeed exclusively for about six months. Then, mothers should continue breastfeeding for a year or more as complementary foods are introduced into the child’s diet. Breastfeeding should continue as long as it is mutually desired by both the mother and baby.
Replace Fruit Juice with Water
Kids love fruit juices, but it’s important to keep in mind that some fruit juices (like grape juice) test high for arsenic.
Instead of serving fruit juice to your child, you can sweeten the water you serve using fresh lemon. You can also give your child sliced whole fruits.
Try Making Your Own Purees and Baby Foods
Many people may not have the time or resources needed to make baby food, but the advantages of making your child’s food at home can help him or her avoid toxic heavy metals and other contaminants as a result of packaging and manufacturing.
You may think that making your own baby food has to be expensive. It doesn’t. You can choose which ingredients fit your budget and your child’s taste buds. If you’d like to learn more about how you can make your own organic baby food, The Big Book of Organic Toddler Food is a good place to start.
We Help Parents with Kids Harmed by Heavy Metals in Baby Foods
It is fair to assume that the FDA-approved food you buy for your child is safe and healthy. You may be distraught to discover that you’ve been feeding your child products that contain toxic heavy metals. Frustratingly, some companies knowingly sell products with high levels of heavy metals and refuse to issue baby food recalls.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) after regularly consuming baby foods from the brands listed in the government reports, we want to help your family seek justice in a baby food lawsuit. Don’t delay—reach out to our firm right away with any questions you may have. We are ready and willing to fight for your family now.
Call (855) 948-5098 or submit an online contact form today to get your free consultation with one of our skilled toxic baby food lawsuit attorneys.
