The number of product liability lawsuits alleging the presence of metal toxicity in many popular baby food products sold in the US has been rising since 2022. Popular companies like Gerber, Nurture, and Earth’s Best Organic have been implicated in the lawsuits, with many victims alleging their children suffering neurological complications because of the presence of dangerous metal toxins in these products.
This situation has caused a lot of anxiety among many American parents. Our article expands on the current status of the lawsuits in different parts of the country. By reading, you’ll understand how the presence of these toxins was first discovered, the signs to look out for in your child, and what you should do if they show signs of metal toxicity.
How It Began: The HBBF Report
It all started in October 2019 when a nonprofit organization called Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) published a damning report detailing extensive tests performed on 168 different baby products found on shelves all over the US.
According to the findings, 90% of the tested products had high traces of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. All but nine of the 168 products tested contained at least one of the mentioned toxins. The baby food products found to have the highest traces of the mentioned substances include:
- Snacks made with rice flour: teething biscuits and rice rusks, infant rice cereal
- Fruit juices like apples, pears, grapes, and many other juices
- Carrots and sweet potatoes
Congressional Report Affirms HBBF Findings
On February 4, 2021, a congressional analysis from the US House of Representatives subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy confirmed HBBF’s findings. According to the investigation, the metal toxin levels in these products were much higher than the FDA’s standards.
Notable brands mentioned include Beech-Nut, Celestial (Nature’s Best), Gerber, Campbell Plum and others.
Perhaps the most shocking detail from the congressional report is that these companies were aware of their products’ dangers to consumers. While testing confirmed the presence of these toxins, the companies chose to sell them anyway.
The Dangers of Heavy Metals to Children
While the research in this area is still largely inconclusive, experts have long agreed that there is a link between heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury and developmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
While the exact causes of these conditions are not fully understood, the CDC has noted that early exposure to these metals can lead to neurodevelopmental defects in children.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Parents must be aware of the dangers of exposure to these metals for their children. Here are the symptoms of metal toxicity in toddlers:
- Gastrointestinal distress: Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain
- Neurological issues: Research has shown that children exposed to metal toxicity may become irritable, tired, and have difficulties sleeping
- Behavioral issues: Your child may increasingly become irritable and show aggressive behaviors. They may also display trouble concentrating and learning
- Skin and hair changes: You may notice symptoms of skin rashes and changes in hair texture
Conclusion: Talk to an Attorney
“If you believe your child is displaying symptoms of metal toxicity, talk to a lawyer right away,” says personal injury attorney Robert James. A good lawyer will help you collect the required evidence to prove the claim and file it on your behalf.
Media Information:
Robert James Trial Attorneys
233 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 1200,
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 328-7094
