Several baby food manufacturers have not met California’s strict lead restrictions under Proposal 65. Reuters The investigation, published on April 16th, was discovered.
The report found 102 products above the state’s maximum allowable capacity of 0.5 micrograms of lead per day, based on 1,757 test results from nine manufacturers. While none of the products tested exceeded the FDA’s 2.2 micrograms per day lead guidelines for children, California’s stricter thresholds highlight gaps in federal surveillance, prompting discussions where standards better protect babies.
The findings update concerns regarding heavy metal exposure in infant products. Lead is known to impair neurological development at low levels, but conditions such as autism and ADHD (as allegedly scientifically inconclusive);
Non-compliant manufacturers include Plum Organic, Beach Nut, Garber (owned by Nestle), Square Baby, Pumpkin Tree, and Happy Baby (owned by Danon). Certain products with flags include organic sweet potatoes from beach nuts, only plum organic prunes and Gerber’s second food carrot. Some manufacturers argue that California law allows for averaging lead levels for a batch of products or children’s meals, but food industry experts point out that Proposition 65 does not expressly allow this and courts have sometimes accepted such defenses.
California’s proposal 65
California’s Proposal 65 sets a strict lead limit of 0.5 micrograms per day for consumer products, much lower than U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The new California law, effective January 1, 2025, requires monthly testing of baby food leads, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, and results will be published via QR codes on the label. The FDA’s “near-zero” initiative launched in 2021 aims to reduce heavy metals in baby food, but remains voluntary. The agency’s final guidance issued on January 6th sets a non-binding action level for leads, leaving Proposition 65 as an important enforcement tool.
The manufacturers have condemned the rise in lead levels that occur naturally in soil and supply chain complexity. However, experts say much of the contamination comes from historic human activities such as pesticide use and industrial pollution.
Experts argue that companies can reduce contamination by sourcing ingredients from the areas where the soil is cleaned, adopting better agricultural practices, or by refining treatment methods. For example, Cerebelly switched to suppliers in areas with low soil contamination, lowering lead levels by adhering to California standards, and Square Baby reformulated with minimal heavy metal content.
Non-compliant manufacturers face legal and consumer risks. A nationwide lawsuit against Gerber, Plum Organic and Beech Nut, which alleges heavy metals caused autism and ADHD, was allowed to continue in April. However, scientific evidence linking low levels of exposure to these conditions is debated. The California Attorney General may also pursue enforcement under Order 65 as of April 16th.
Consumer guidance
Parents are encouraged to choose brands with transparent testing practices such as Plum Organic, Once Upon A Farm, and Square Baby, which voluntarily published 2024 test results. Consumers should check the product label on the QR code that links to heavy metal test data, although implementations may vary as manufacturers will adapt to new California laws by mid-2025. Some brands may delay compliance due to logistical challenges. Consumers can further reduce risk by diversifying their children’s diet and consulting their pediatrician about exposure concerns.
No recalls were issued in connection with Reuters Survey results as of April 16th.
California’s transparency requirements could drive industry-wide improvements when businesses compete for consumer trust, but the extent of adoption remains unknown as manufacturers adapt to new regulations. Consumer advocates say the slow progress of the FDA “near zero” underscores the importance of state regulations, but they hope that the federal order will ultimately match California’s stricter standards.
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