Parents worldwide rely on baby food to provide their kids with the right nutrition. In 2024, the infant food market is valued at $8.81 billion and is expected to expand annually by 3.43%. Although that sounds promising, the recent news reports question the product’s safety for kids.
Some products contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic that can hurt a child’s growth and development. In June 2023, Consumer Reports shared that leading infant food brands like Gerber contain all three metals. Even though the metal concentration has gone down in the past 5 years, the health risks after consuming it haven’t changed much.
Additionally, it was revealed that prolonged intake of such heavy metals can increase the risk of developmental and health problems in children. It includes behavioral issues, reduced IQ, autism, and ADHD.
In this article, we will delve into the Gerber toxic food violation case to understand the lessons parents must learn from it.
Gerber Accused of Harmful Heavy Metals Contamination
Parents have filed multiple lawsuits against Gerber, accusing the company’s products of causing autism spectrum disorder in their kids. The company was named in a class action lawsuit. along with other infant food manufacturers, like Walmart, Nurture Inc., and Beech-Nut. The brands were accused of violating several consumer protection laws because their baby foods had higher levels of heavy metals.
According to First Focus, an advocacy organization prioritizing children and families, heavy metals in baby food that lead to multiple complications include:
- Arsenic: It affects a kid’s neurodevelopment and central nervous system. As a result, a child can suffer from impaired liver function, bronchiectasis, skin cancer, and cognitive deficits.
- Cadmium: It can increase the chances of ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in children and can lead to reduced IQ.
- Lead: It increases the risk of delayed puberty, stunted growth, behavioral problems, and cognitive effects.
A California court allowed the lawyers to proceed with the case in May 2022. This event encouraged several parents to file a baby food heavy metals lawsuit. Some cases were dismissed because of insufficient evidence, while others gained visibility.
How Did Gerber Violate Antitrust Laws?
Gerber’s antitrust proceedings are somewhat complicated to understand. This is because there are accusations that Gerber conspired to commercially increase the price of store-brand formulas. The objective was to outshine competitors like Walmart and Walgreens.
According to a Reuters news report in April 2024, Gerber offered to purchase extra formula directly from Perrigo’s supplies. The idea was to prevent other market players from having access to the formula and selling it themselves.
Allegations revealed that Gerber cracked a deal where they would receive a share of the amount that Perrigo made by selling the company’s formula. It increased the formula prices and prevented affordable options from reaching the market. Naturally, this was problematic for shoppers with tight budgets.
Keeping these points in mind, parents must be watchful of the baby food brand they choose and its side effects on their children. TorHoerman Law advises that if you notice gastrointestinal issues, anemia, or neurodevelopmental issues in your child, seek medical help.product’s safety for kids
Once the medical reports confirm that your kid’s health issue is an after-effect of toxic metals present in Gerber’s baby food, consult a lawyer. They will assess your case history, help you file a lawsuit, and ensure you receive legal compensation to cover the losses.product’s safety for kids
What Should Parents Do?
Gerber and other baby food manufacturers being under legal scrutiny have made parents reconsider using their products. It is necessary to reduce a baby’s exposure to heavy metals. In January 2023, Kidhealth.org shared some options, such as:product’s safety for kids
Give Your Baby a Mix of Healthy Foods
Consuming a balanced diet will help reduce a kid’s exposure to toxic metals. You can rotate the food your child eats, including alternating between homemade and organic food for your baby.
Refrain From Using Fruit Juice
Fruit juice can contain heavy metals and is not suitable for children who are less than 1 year of age. Additionally, it can cause weight gain and cavities. Try to replace fruit juice with whole fruits, as they have more nutrients and fiber.
Say No To Unhealthy Snacks
Parents should stop or limit feeding their children oat-ring cereals and rice puffs. Rather than processed snacks, it is best to choose soft, mashed, or pureed baby food. The options include yogurt, cheese, eggs, and vegetables. This will help ensure that your baby consumes less added salt, sugar, and refined flour. If you have to opt for prepared snacks, choose multi-grain and rice-free options.product’s safety for kids
Last but not least, multi-ingredient baby food mixes can be a favorable option. Reading the labels is a good practice to arrive at an informed decision.
While the baby food industry today is a mix of good and not-so-good factors, the market is expected to grow. Also, products from leading brands like Gerber are accused of toxic metal contamination and antitrust violations. Therefore, it is necessary to research well before choosing a baby food product. You can also implement the guidelines mentioned above to reduce your baby’s exposure to harmful metals.
