Understanding the Toxic Threat in Baby Food
A 2021 congressional investigation revealed shocking levels of heavy metals in baby foods from major brands. Testing found arsenic levels up to 91 times higher than FDA limits for bottled water, with similarly excessive amounts of lead, cadmium, and mercury.
These neurotoxins pose unique dangers to infants and toddlers. During the first years of life, children undergo rapid brain development, forming millions of neural connections. Heavy metals can cross the blood-brain barrier, interfering with this crucial development process.
Medical research published in journals like JAMA Pediatrics and Environmental Health has strengthened the link between early heavy metal exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies show these toxins can disrupt normal brain development, potentially contributing to conditions like autism and ADHD.
While the FDA has announced its “Closer to Zero” plan to reduce heavy metals in baby food, this action comes too late for many Missouri children already affected by these dangerous products.
Baby Food Brands Named in Lawsuits
The following manufacturers have been identified in lawsuits for allegedly selling baby food products containing dangerous levels of heavy metals. If your child consumed these brands and later developed autism or ADHD, you may have a valid legal claim.
Congressional testing found Gerber products contained arsenic levels up to nine times higher than FDA water limits, plus dangerous amounts of lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Beech-Nut’s rice cereals and other foods contained alarming levels of heavy metals. The company eventually recalled some products after years of selling contaminated foods.
Despite premium organic marketing, Hain Celestial’s Earth’s Best products contained high levels of arsenic and other metals according to the company’s own testing.
Nurture’s HappyBABY products showed arsenic levels up to 180 ppb in some samples—far exceeding safety standards that protect children’s developing brains.
Campbell’s Plum Organics baby foods contained significant heavy metal levels. Testing revealed concerning amounts of these toxic substances in products for infants.
Parent’s Choice products showed alarming heavy metal levels. This affordable option was widely used by Missouri families across different economic backgrounds.
If your child consumed these or other commercial baby foods and later received an autism or ADHD diagnosis, contact our Missouri toxic baby food attorneys today to understand your legal options.
Legal Foundations for Baby Food Claims
Parents across Missouri and nationwide are taking action against baby food manufacturers for exposing children to dangerous heavy metals. These lawsuits are built on several compelling legal principles.
Manufacturers have a fundamental duty to ensure their products—especially those for infants—are safe. Selling baby food with harmful heavy metals violates this basic obligation.
Evidence shows companies knew their products contained dangerous metals but failed to warn parents, preventing families from making informed choices about their babies’ nutrition.
Many manufacturers marketed products as “organic,” “natural,” or “premium” despite knowing they contained toxic metals—potentially constituting fraudulent misrepresentation.
Cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2997), streamlining the process while protecting each family’s right to compensation for their specific situation.
Growing research links early heavy metal exposure to neurodevelopmental disorders, strengthening the causation arguments essential to these lawsuits.
Cofman Townsley Attorneys at Law’s toxic baby food lawyers have extensive experience with complex product liability cases. We work with medical experts to establish the connection between heavy metal exposure and your child’s condition.
Do You Have a Valid Baby Food Claim?
If your child developed autism or ADHD after consuming commercial baby foods, you may be eligible to pursue legal action. Our Missouri toxic baby food attorneys are currently reviewing cases meeting these criteria:
- Baby Food Consumption: Your child regularly consumed store-bought baby food from manufacturers like Gerber, Beech-Nut, Earth’s Best Organic, HappyBABY, Plum Organics, or Parent’s Choice.
- Medical Diagnosis: Your child has received a formal medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Timing: The diagnosis typically occurs after the period of baby food consumption, usually between ages 2-10.
- Supporting Documentation: Medical records confirming diagnosis, pediatrician records, proof of baby food purchases, and therapy records can strengthen your case.
Even if you’re uncertain about meeting all criteria, our Missouri attorneys can evaluate your situation. Every child’s circumstances are unique, and we’re committed to helping affected families seek justice.
Steps Toward Justice for Your Child
If you believe your child’s autism or ADHD diagnosis may be connected to contaminated baby food, taking prompt action is important. Our Missouri toxic baby food lawyers will guide you through every step.
Our online evaluation tool quickly determines if your family has a valid claim by answering a few simple questions about your child’s diagnosis and diet history.
Qualifying families may receive compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, special education, lost parental wages, and future care needs.
Cofman Townsley Attorneys at Law represents families on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your child’s injuries.
While there’s still time to file, evidence becomes harder to gather as years pass. Earlier claims often have advantages in the ongoing litigation.
Missouri Families Need Answers
Discovering your child’s developmental challenges might be linked to contaminated baby food is devastating. The manufacturers had a duty to ensure their products were safe for vulnerable infants.
Our St. Louis toxic baby food attorneys are fighting for affected families while holding negligent companies accountable. Take the first step toward justice today.