Lead Contamination Prompts Nationwide Baby Food Recall
Parents, check your shelves! Two popular baby food brands sold at Target and Publix are being pulled from stores after testing revealed concerning levels of lead. The FDA issued a formal recall, urging families to stop using the affected products immediately.
Which Baby Foods Were Recalled
Two well-known baby food brands have been pulled from shelves after tests found elevated levels of lead. Here’s what to look out for:
From Target:
Fruselva USA is recalling about 25,600 tubs of its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme puree. The recalled items are 4-ounce containers with lot numbers 4167 and 4169, and “best by” dates of December 7 and 9, 2025. These were sold nationwide.
From Publix:
GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea baby food, made by Bowman Andros LLC, is also part of the recall. These 4-ounce tubs have a best-by date of November 1, 2025, and were sold across eight Southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
In both cases, routine testing picked up lead levels high enough to raise concern, prompting the FDA to take action.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Lead isn’t something you want in your child’s system—ever. Even tiny amounts can build up over time and start causing problems. We’re talking about real, long-term issues like slower development, trouble focusing or learning, behavior changes, stomach pain, and general fatigue.
It doesn’t take much to do damage, especially in babies and toddlers, which is why health experts urge caution the moment lead shows up in anything meant for kids.
Health experts at the CDC are clear: there’s no “safe” level of lead in a child’s bloodstream.
That’s exactly why the FDA stepped in and labeled this a Class II recall. That’s their way of saying the health risks aren’t necessarily permanent but still serious enough that parents need to pay attention. If there’s even a small chance your baby’s food is part of this, it’s worth double-checking. Better safe than sorry.
Bought One of These? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve already got one of the recalled baby foods in your pantry, don’t panic. But do take action:
Double-check the packaging. Look for the specific lot numbers and “best by” dates listed earlier. If it matches, set it aside.
Don’t serve it. Even if it looks fine, it’s better not to take the chance. Stop using it right away.
Bring it back. Stores like Target and Publix are offering full refunds, no receipt needed. Just return the product to where you bought it.
Talk to your pediatrician. If your child already ate the food, it’s worth calling your doctor. They might recommend a simple blood test for peace of mind.
You don’t have to do it all at once. But the sooner you act, the better.
Parents, Here's How to Stay One Step Ahead
It’s upsetting to hear that something as basic as baby food could pose a risk. No parent wants to second-guess what they’re feeding their child. The good news? There are a few simple habits that can make a real difference:
Check for recalls once in a while. These warnings don’t always make headlines, but staying up to date can help you catch issues early. The FDA and CDC both post alerts online.
Feed for protection. Nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin C can actually reduce how much lead the body absorbs. Yogurt, leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits are all great staples to keep in rotation.
Trust your instincts. If a product looks unfamiliar, the label seems vague, or you just get a bad feeling— skip it. You don’t need a reason to put something back on the shelf.
This likely won’t be the last time a baby product gets recalled over safety concerns. But staying informed, trusting your gut, and speaking up when something feels off is how you stay in control.