A baby food product sold in the United States has been recalled due to concerns it may contain elevated levels of lead, prompting health warnings for families nationwide.
The recall, issued in March, affects more than 25,000 packages of vegetable puree produced by Miami-based manufacturer Fruselva. The company makes baby food for major retailers, including Target, where the affected product was sold under the Good & Gather brand.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recalled items include Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree sold in 4-ounce tubs. Impacted products are marked with lot number 4167 (best-by date: December 7) and lot number 4169 (best-by date: December 9). Consumers are advised not to feed these products to infants.
This incident is part of a wider series of recent food recalls in the U.S., including a Vermont-made butter that tested positive for bacteria commonly found in feces. The baby food recall has been categorized as Class II, meaning the products are not likely to cause serious harm but may still result in temporary or medically reversible health effects.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that “there is no safe level of exposure to lead for children.”
Exposure to lead and other heavy metals can cause cognitive and developmental issues. The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms of lead poisoning can be difficult to detect in the early stages but may develop after significant exposure. These symptoms are especially concerning for children under six, where lead poisoning “is likely to lead to developmental delays and learning difficulties,” the clinic advises.
Other potential signs include irritability, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, and even seizures.
