We’ve been hearing from a lot of parents and caregivers about about growing concern after reports about metals and toxins in baby food.

We know this is scary and overwhelming to think about, so we put together this flyer with some things you can do to limit your baby’s exposure.

This news was generated from the release of a report from a US House of Representatives investigative subcommittee. The investigation was done following a report from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures – a partnership of environmental and child advocacy groups. There have been other investigations from groups like Consumer Reports. The metals discussed in this government report (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury) are of particular concern due to potential detrimental effects on development of the nervous system and brain in children. These metals are present naturally in the environment, but are also present due to human practices. Their presence in water and soil means they are more concentrated in certain plants such as root crops (sweet potatoes and carrots) and rice.  It is worth noting in various reports that these metals were present in organic baby foods and foods with brown rice (both often thought to be healthy options); in teething biscuits, crackers and puffs; and in some juices. There are almost no regulatory standards (limits) for the metals in infant foods, and no labelling. The government recommended both, along with more manufacturer effort at eliminating the metals from their products. Many health professionals and organizations have released statements to provide recommendations on what they can do to limit the amount of these metals in the diets of their babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) can be found here: American Academy of Pediatrics: Metals in Baby Foods

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Message us here or email Laura at laura.mcculley@wisc.edu