A non-profit organization tested for the presence of toxic metals and chemicals in baby food. Data from the study uncovered that approximately 95% of the examined products contained dangerous substances. The research was conducted by Healthy Babies Bright Future (HBBF). HBBF is a group that aims to protect infants through programs that detect potential contaminations and other dangers that could harm babies and young children. The testing subjects included “13 different types of foods in 168 baby food containers from 61 brands, including popular names such as Gerber, Beech-Nut, Earth’s Best, Parents Choice and Enfamil,” according to a report from CBS News. HBBF tested for the presence of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in the baby food products — only nine of the 168 containers did not test positive for any toxic metals. Twenty-five percent of them included all four of the dangers, and 40% contained three out of the four.
What Types of Foods were Tested?
The study involved a variety of different foods that are bought for babies to eat, including cereals, snacks, drinks, and some fruits and vegetables Through testing, Healthy Babies Bright Future revealed that food products containing rice are some of the most contaminated — puffed rice snacks, rice cereal, rice teething snacks, and others. Tested foods that contained rice were most often found to contain arsenic and toxic metals. The reason for this could be the rice growing process. Rice is grown in water and could be more susceptible to arsenic absorption as a result. Fruit juices were labeled as another potentially toxic baby food, and sweet potatoes and carrots were identified as having high levels of lead and cadmium. HBBF advised that sweet potatoes and carrots are not inherently dangerous and can be part of a healthy diet, but other fruits and vegetables should be included as well. To reduce your child’s risk of exposure to toxic metals, HBBF recommended choosing products that do not contain rice, opting for water instead of juice, and incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into their diet.
The Impact of Toxicities in Baby Food
Ingesting toxic metals, even in small amounts, can be hazardous for anyone. In babies, arsenic, in particular, can hinder brain development. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead are associated with a risk of cancer development. Mercury poisoning can impact a child’s motor skills, speech development, and cognitive ability. If you or a loved one were harmed by the consumption of toxic food or the use of a dangerous product, schedule a free consultation with the attorneys of Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. You can reach us online or via phone at (419) 719-5195.