Protecting Your Family: The Fight Against Toxic Baby Food
Toxic heavy metals in baby food have led to hundreds of lawsuits against some of the biggest baby food manufacturers in the US. These lawsuits allege that these companies knowingly sold baby food that contained unsafe levels of dangerous metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, and failed to warn consumers about their presence or dangers. Now, toxic baby food lawsuits all over America are claiming exposure to these toxins causes children to develop autism and ADHD, lowers a baby’s IQ, and can cause other developmental problems.
The heavy metal baby food lawsuits arose after a 2021 Congressional report raised concerns about the prevalence of these metals in baby food. As science started to connect these substances to learning and developmental delays, like autism and ADHD, hundreds of parents have come forward to hold these companies accountable.
With So Many Baby Food Autism Claims, an MDL is Formed
Now, due to the volume and similarity of these cases, they have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to help streamline the pretrial proceedings and to save injured families time and money.
The MDL’s success will depend on whether the court accepts the science connecting heavy metals in baby food to developmental issues in children and whether the injured plaintiffs can establish liability on the part of the manufacturers.
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we have always been dedicated to protecting individuals, workers, families, the elderly, children, and anyone who needs our help. And we are committed to advocating for their rights and seeking justice wherever we can. That’s why we are accepting baby food autism cases. We are prepared to take on giant corporations that believe they can do whatever they want, and we will fight to hold them accountable.
If you believe your child was harmed by the high levels of toxic heavy metals in baby food, contact the product liability lawsuit lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP. Our team of baby food lawyers has studied this case and is ready to help you. Call us today at (212) 779-0057 or contact us here.
New Updates on the Toxic Baby Food MDL Lawsuit
Read the latest updates on the lawsuits regarding Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food, including court proceedings, opinions from our lawyers, and any mentions of this important case in the news.
May 1, 2025 – Target Baby Food Recall Highlights Growing Concerns About Heavy Metal Exposure
A recent baby food recall at Target has intensified worries over the presence of dangerous heavy metals in products meant for young children. While the FDA labeled the recall as Class II—indicating a moderate risk—health experts stress that even small amounts of lead can be harmful to developing brains.
In a separate investigation, Reuters tested 1,757 baby food products in April 2025 and discovered that 102 items exceeded California’s recommended daily limit for lead exposure. Brands like Gerber, HappyBaby, and Plum were among those with lead levels above 0.5 micrograms per serving. Although the FDA permits up to 2.2 micrograms of lead daily for children, multiple servings could quickly exceed both federal and state guidelines, increasing health risks.
Medical research shows that any lead exposure in early childhood can result in long-term neurological problems, including developmental delays, learning challenges, and attention issues like ADHD.
This latest recall strengthens allegations raised in this Toxic Baby Food multidistrict litigation (MDL). Families accuse major manufacturers of failing to control contamination and selling products that endanger young children adequately.
Parents are advised to:
Return affected baby foods without delay.
Seek medical advice if exposure is suspected.
Consult with a qualified attorney about pursuing a legal claim.
As the litigation continues, incidents like this recall add compelling evidence to the cases against baby food manufacturers.
April 7, 2025 – Judge Allows Toxic Baby Food Lawsuits to Proceed
The toxic baby food MDL is officially moving forward. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley denied the motion to dismiss brought by defendants. In their motion, the baby food makers argued that the heavy metals in their products were “naturally occurring” and that there wasn’t enough scientific proof linking them to autism or ADHD.
The court disagreed.
On April 2, 2025, Judge Corley ruled that the plaintiffs had enough evidence to keep the litigation alive. This is a huge moment in the MDL, giving it some new momentum and making way for parents to finally hold these companies accountable.
On a side note, Campbell Soup Company, which was also named in early lawsuits, has been dismissed from the MDL.
February 1, 2025 – Updated List of Baby Food Brands Linked to Heavy Metals
Recent investigations have revealed that several baby food brands may contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. These metals, when present, are often found in rice-based snacks, root veggies, juices, blended fruits and vegetables, and teething biscuits.
Brands currently known to test for heavy metals include:
- Beech-Nut
- Gerber
- Plum Organics
- Happy Family Organics (HappyBABY)
- Parent’s Choice (Walmart)
- Earth’s Best Organic
- Sprout Foods
- Campbell’s Plum Baby
- Neptune Wellness Solutions
Until better regulations are in place, families should avoid rice-based baby foods and stick to products that test low for metals.
January 15, 2025 – FDA Sets Limits on Lead in Baby Foods, But Defendants Will Fight Back
The FDA has finally set lead limits in baby food. The new regulations put blended foods like fruits and grains at 10 ppb, and root veggies and dry cereals at 20 ppb. While not binding, these limits give the FDA more power to take action.
In court, we expect baby food companies to argue that environmental lead is to blame, not their food.
Plaintiffs will need to show that the child consumed high levels of heavy metals, specifically from the defendant’s products, and that this exposure led to their condition. This is a high bar, but science is on the side of plaintiffs.
January 1, 2025 – Amazon and Whole Foods Released from Lawsuit, But the MDL Moves Forward
Amazon and Whole Foods have been dismissed from the MDL because “they didn’t qualify as manufacturers under Louisiana law,” according to the court. However, the judge gave one plaintiff permission to amend their claim against Amazon, so technically, they could still be dragged back into the mix.
Meanwhile, a 2021 Congressional Report is still making waves. It revealed just how widespread toxic metals are in baby food, which is partly why this litigation is even happening. With public pressure and increasing lawsuits, we’re hopeful for stronger regulations that could finally protect kids from preventable harm, though we will have to see when it comes to the changes coming through the White House in the health services.
December 11, 2024 – Baby Food Companies Try (and Fail) to Shut Down the MDL
Manufacturers like Gerber and Beech-Nut tried to dismiss the entire toxic baby food MDL, arguing there’s no solid science linking their products to autism or ADHD and that heavy metals are unavoidable. They claimed the metals were unavoidable and that the FDA, not the courts, should handle this.
But plaintiffs and their attorneys pushed back hard, claiming that even if the metal were unavoidable (which they are not), the companies still didn’t do enough to warn consumers or lower contamination. They also pointed to serious, peer-reviewed research linking heavy metal exposure to neurological issues in children.
The motion didn’t succeed, and the litigation is moving forward.
December 1, 2024 – California Trial Could Shape the Future of the MDL
The first baby food autism case is expected to go to trial in California in January 2025. While it’s not part of the MDL, this case will definitely be looked at closely as an early litmus test for how juries respond to the evidence and the science behind the toxic metals in baby food and neurological disorders.
At the same time, the MDL court is moving forward with expert discovery, short-form complaint deadlines, and motion scheduling. There’s also buzz around Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially being appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services. If confirmed, his stance on food safety could have a major impact on this litigation.
November 15, 2024 – Judge Sets a Date for Causation Hearings
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley has scheduled a five-day general causation hearing to begin on December 8, 2025. This hearing will focus on whether heavy metals in baby food can cause autism and other disorders in children. Expert discovery is set to commence in April 2025, allowing both plaintiffs and defendants to compile reports from their expert witnesses.
November 7, 2024 – Deadlines Set for Expert Reports in Baby Food Lawsuits
Deadlines have been established for the submission of expert reports in the Baby Food Products Liability Litigation (MDL 3101). Plaintiffs’ expert reports are due on December 16, 2024, while defendants’ reports are due on January 15, 2025. These reports will present expert opinions based on scientific evidence regarding the alleged link between heavy metals in baby food and autism.
November 1, 2024 – 20 New Cases Added to MDL
The toxic metal baby food MDL saw significant growth in October, with 20 new cases added, nearly doubling its size and bringing the total number of pending cases from 32 to 52. This increase indicates a growing number of plaintiffs alleging harm from toxic heavy metals in baby food products.
October 17, 2024 – Judge Issues Order on Electronic Data Production
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley issued a detailed order governing how electronic data will be produced in the baby food lawsuit. This order sets specific rules for electronically stored information (ESI), including file formats and document numbering, to streamline the discovery process in the MDL.
October 3, 2024 – FDA Drafting Guidance for Heavy Metal Levels in Baby Food
As part of its “Closer to Zero” campaign, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is drafting updated guidance on allowable levels of heavy metals in baby food. The FDA’s target date to issue final guidance on lead levels in baby food is December 2024. The agency has been engaging with stakeholders to assess feasibility and best practices, aiming to implement new regulations for baby food manufacturers.
September 16, 2024 – New Contaminated Baby Foods Lawsuit Filed in California
A new lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of California on behalf of a minor diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, allegedly caused by toxic heavy metals found in products from Gerber, Nestlé, and Walmart. The plaintiff claims that the minor was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, allegedly caused by toxic heavy metals found in products from Gerber, Nestlé, and Walmart.
August 2024 – MDL Expansion and Leadership Appointments
In August, the Toxic Baby Food MDL expanded with the addition of new cases, bringing the total number of active cases within the MDL to 25. This growth reflects the increasing number of plaintiffs alleging harm from toxic heavy metals in baby food products. Additionally, the judge overseeing the MDL appointed 19 lawyers to lead the litigation for plaintiffs, including prominent attorneys R. Brent Wisner and Aimee Wagstaff as co-lead trial counsel.
July 27, 2024 – Abbott Ordered to Pay $495 Million in Baby-Formula Verdict
A jury ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay $495 million in compensation and damages after determining that the company failed to warn that its formula for premature infants increased the risk of bowel disease. The verdict included $400 million in punitive damages. Abbott plans to contest the ruling.
July 5, 2024 – Preference Trial Set for January 2025
A preference trial has been scheduled for January 21, 2025, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This will be the first baby food trial in California state court related to the federal MDL.
This preference trial is a preliminary step within this MDL. Unlike a full trial, it won’t decide all the claims at once. Instead, it will focus on a specific legal issue with a small group of representative plaintiffs. This “test run” aims to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s arguments before a full trial. The goal of a preference trial is to potentially encourage settlements, narrow down the key legal points, and streamline the overall process for the MDL.
In simpler terms, it’s basically a smaller trial that evaluates some aspects of the case and potentially avoids a lengthy main trial in the future MDL.
Preference Trial vs Bellwether Trial
This concept may sound familiar since we have spoken about a similar concept called a bellwether trial before. While both a preference and bellwether trial offer early glimpses into how the overall lawsuit might fare, they focus on different aspects.
A preference trial tackles a specific legal issue to see how it plays out, like testing a single ingredient in a recipe. A bellwether trial, on the other hand, acts as a more complete rehearsal, like testing the entire recipe.
May 30, 2024: New Baby Food Lawsuit Filed in MDL from Texas
A new lawsuit has been filed and will be transferred to the Heavy Metal Baby Food MDL in California, as reported by Lawsuit Legal News. This case involves a Texas plaintiff diagnosed with autism who consumed baby fsood products from Beech-Nut and Gerber early in childhood. The lawsuit alleges these products contained significant quantities of toxic heavy metals that exceeded regulatory limits and led the plaintiff to develop neurodivergence.
May 20, 2024 – Customer Reward Programs Could Provide More Than Discounts for Injured Plaintiffs
Your loyalty account at your favorite grocery store and shopping app could play a crucial role as evidence in the toxic baby food lawsuits.
Every time a customer types in their phone number at Walgreens, or scans their Costco card, or uses the Target app to pay, their purchases are recorded. These records, which meticulously track what you purchase, your buying history, frequency, quantity, how often you shop, and on and on, could potentially provide a literal map of the specific baby food brands and products purchased by the injured plaintiffs in the Toxic Baby Food MDL.
In theory, customers (or, more accurately, their lawyers and a team of investigators) will be able to pull these records, which would significantly strengthen the plaintiff’s claim that they regularly fed their child the exact baby foods in question.
May 17, 2024 – First Status Conference Held in Toxic Baby Food MDL
The first status conference for the toxic baby food multidistrict litigation (MDL) took place yesterday in the Northern District of California. Among the matters they were scheduled to address were initial pretrial matters, a review of joint statements from both plaintiffs and defendants, and the appointment of leadership roles. That means the plaintiffs’ lead counsel and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (the group responsible for guiding the litigation strategy for the injured plaintiffs) were determined. One of those attorneys on the steering committee is a colleague of mine, Anthony Russo, from Dolman Russo PLLC.
The conference also covered procedural issues, the MDL schedule, and potentially any early disputes.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers want the bellwether trials to begin immediately, but like always, the defendants are likely to attempt to delay proceedings. The longer the case takes, the more likely plaintiffs are to settle for a smaller amount just to avoid the wait. This strategy might backfire, though, since the scientific evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ case grows stronger.
May 14, 2024 – New Legislation Proposed Over Toxic Baby Food
New legislation has been proposed in Congress to address the issue of toxic metals in baby food. This might sound silly because we already have an entire administration for that called the FDA. But oversight and regulations have been cut at every chance by some in the halls of Congress, so here we are: with lead in our children’s food in the year 2024.
The proposed laws would mandate federal regulators to set and enforce science-based limits on harmful metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in baby foods.
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the “Baby Food Safety Act of 2024” on May 9, 2024, in the Senate. This act aims to amend the “Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act” to ensure the safety of baby food and limit the amount of tolerated contaminants. I, like you right now, am wondering why the limit isn’t zero, but here we are.
Similarly, Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) introduced a corresponding bill, H.R. 6756, in the US House of Representatives. If passed, this legislation would dramatically increase the FDA’s authority over baby food regulation and impose stricter testing and sampling requirements on manufacturers. This would help ensure safer food options for infants and toddlers.
Whether either of these bills will be heard or debated, much less passed, is still to be seen.
April 11, 2024 – The Toxic Baby Food Lawsuits Have Officially Been Consolidated into an MDL
On April 11, 2024, a big step was taken for plaintiffs in the toxic heavy metal baby food litigation. Today, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has approved the consolidation of all baby food lawsuits into the Northern District of California. The baby food multidistrict litigation will be presided over by Judge Corley in the Northern District of California.
The MDL was created because the JPML decided that “All actions share common issues of fact regarding the presence of heavy metals in defendants’ products, their knowledge of and testing for heavy metals in their products, whether the presence of these heavy metals could have caused plaintiffs’ alleged injuries, and whether defendants adequately warned of the presence of heavy metals in their products.”
Much like a class action lawsuit, this means that all (or most) of the toxic baby food lawsuits across the country will be consolidated into one federal case to handle pre-trial proceedings and decisions. Unlike a class action lawsuit, the cases will be heard individually once the main issues are sorted out together in the MDL.
We expect that thousands of baby food lawsuits will be entered into the MDL.
If you believe you might have a claim, consult with a mass tort lawyer right away so they can evaluate your case, make sure you have not missed any deadlines, and give you appropriate advice from there. Hach & Rose is currently accepting toxic baby food cases from all 50 states.
Understanding The Toxic Baby Food Lawsuits
The term “toxic baby food” refers to infant and baby foods that have been contaminated with harmful substances, specifically heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
These contaminants were not purposefully added, yet the baby food manufacturers did not prevent them or warn parents about their presence.
Toxins in the food that parents feed to their babies are not just a minor oversight; they represent a significant cause for concern over food production, testing, and monitoring, and, of course, the risk to infant development and health, and how the food we consume can cause lifelong issues.
The toxic baby food lawsuits center around allegations that these major baby food manufacturers knowingly sold the products even after they were aware that they contained harmful levels of heavy metals. As the science becomes clearer, parents are suing these manufacturers for exposing their children to these metals and claiming that they cause health problems like autism, ADHD, and other developmental issues.
Which Brands are Included in the Dangerous Baby Food Lawsuits?
The baby food autism and ADHD lawsuits have named some of America’s largest baby food manufacturers, including:
- Gerber
- Hain Celestial (Earth’s Best Organic)
- Walmart (for its store-brand baby foods)
- Plum Organics
- Beech-Nut
- Sprout
Gerber Baby Food Lawsuit
Gerbr is one of the most well-known baby food companies in America, so the allegations against them in the toxic baby food lawsuits have obviously caused some real concern. The lawsuits filed by plaintiffs across the country claim that Gerber sold products they knew to be contaminated with heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
As we have discussed in this article, the consumption of these toxic chemicals by young children is thought to be a factor in developmental issues, specifically autism and attention disorders.
The 2021 Congressional Report identified Gerber products by name as having high levels of these toxins, yet the company continued to sell them without warning parents or caregivers. And, despite public concern, Gerber has still not issued a recall or admitted wrongdoing.
Instead, they have insisted that the metals in their baby food are naturally occurring and that their products meet all federal safety standards.
The lawsuits argue that “meeting minimum regulations” is not the same as protecting children from preventable harm.
Over the years, Gerber has been accused of disregarding product safety and labeling protocols.
In 2015, Gerber was named in a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for mislabeling alleging Gerber falsely claimed that its Good Start Gentle formula could prevent or reduce the risk of allergies. The FTC challenged that these claims were not scientifically proven.
The following year, in 2016, Gerber faced a recall due to a choking and allergy hazard over specific batches of their Cheese Ravioli Gerber Pasta Pick-Ups. The packaging failed to disclose that the product contained eggs, which posed an allergy risk, and the product’s shape and size caused a potential choking hazard.
The current allegations first began in 2021; now, in 2025, we might finally be close to getting some answers.
Parent’s Choice Baby Food Lawsuit (Walmart Brand)
Walmart’s private-label baby food, Parent’s Choice, is also named in the toxic baby food lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim that Walmart sold their Parent’s Choice baby food in stores across America, which was contaminated with dangerously high levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These specific toxins are linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, and reduced IQ in developing children.
According to the 2021 Congressional report, Parent’s Choice rice-based products, like cereals and puff snacks, were among those with some of the highest levels of arsenic. Despite this, Walmart has not recalled the products or issued any significant public statement claiming responsibility.
Plum Organics Baby Food Lawsuit
Plum Organics, previously owned by Campbell Soup Company and now part of Sun-Maid Growers, is facing claims the same claims over dangerous heavy metals in its organic baby food pouches.
Some people mistakenly believe that metals are only found in rice products or dry snacks. However, independent labs have detected lead, arsenic, and cadmium in Plum Organics’ baby food pouches.
Plum Organics specifically markets its products as a wholesome and organic option. This led many parents to trust the brand and gave them no reason to suspect it could be poisoning their child. But Plum Organic products reportedly exceeded toxic metal thresholds, especially in its rice-based and sweet potato blends.
The brand has issued recalls in the past (such as their 2013 pouch defect recall), but has not publicly acknowledged these lawsuits, which seems to be a trend with all the brands here.
Parents who fed their children Plum Organics products are eligible to join the baby food autism lawsuits.
Beech-Nut Baby Food Lawsuit
Beech-Nut Nutrition Company is one of the most heavily mentioned brands in the baby food lawsuits. The company is accused of selling baby foods that contained high levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead, which were found at levels far above FDA guidelines.
These tests have specifically cited rice cereals and fruit blends as a main concern.
In 2021, Beech-Nut voluntarily recalled its infant rice cereal due to high arsenic levels. This move supports claims that the company is aware its products likely pose a risk to children’s health. Plaintiffs claim Beech-Nut failed to adequately test its ingredients and continued to sell dangerous products even after being warned of contamination risks.
As you might expect, Beech-Nut has also not accepted legal responsibility. However, it has stated it is committed to improving food safety standards.
Earth’s Best Baby Food Lawsuit
Earth’s Best Organic, owned by Hain Celestial Group, is another major brand facing legal action over the alleged presence of heavy metals in its baby food. The lawsuits claim that the company’s fruit and vegetable blends (particularly those containing carrots, sweet potatoes, and rice) are contaminated with arsenic, lead, and mercury.
These products were marketed to parents as organic and safe. They are the “best the earth has to offer,” after all, as claimed by its name. But according to testing and the 2021 Congressional report, some of their products contained elevated levels of neurotoxic metals, which may contribute to neurological development concerns in children.
Earth’s Best has not issued any large-scale recall or accepted blame. They, like other companies, are arguing that these metals are found in soil and water and cannot be entirely eliminated.
Plaintiffs claim that the company failed to do enough to reduce the toxic metal contamination or to warn the public that their food might be contaminated with enough heavy metals to lead to autism, attention deficit disorders, or lowered IQs.
Sprout Foods Baby Food Lawsuit
Sprout Organic Foods is also being sued over its role in selling baby food that contains toxic metals. The lawsuits allege that Sprout baby food products (not to be confused with Sprouts grocery stores) contained serious levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic. As is the case with all the other brands, these metal toxins are strongly associated with developmental delays and an increased risk of autism and ADHD when consumed during infancy and early childhood.
As of April 2025, Sprout has not released a public response.
Heavy Metals in Baby Food Accused of Causing Autism and ADHD
Over the last couple of years, whether heavy metals in baby food products cause autism and ADHD has been a cause for concern. This has caused scientists, federal regulators, and other organizations like Consumer Reports to investigate these serious allegations. But what exactly is autism and ADHD?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves lifelong challenges in social interaction, speech, and nonverbal communication, and restricted and/or repetitive behaviors.
Autism is usually a lifelong condition and manifests itself differently in almost every person, which is why autism is considered a “spectrum.” The types, symptoms, and severity are more varied than almost any other disorder.
The DSM-5, which is used to diagnose mental conditions, now classifies ASD as a single diagnosis that includes other conditions that used to be separate, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This is yet another indicator of how hard it can be to diagnose and the many ways it can manifest.
Usually, autism is diagnosed in early childhood. Awareness of the condition has allowed for earlier diagnosis and intervention, usually between 2-5 years old, which can result in improvements. The key is to get them to help with their learning, speech, social skills, etc., rather than just letting them go unchecked.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by consistent inattention and/or “hyperactive-impulsive” behavior that interferes with a child or person’s development and functioning. ADHD symptoms typically appear in children, often by the age of 12, and usually continue into adulthood. There are medications that can treat ADHD, but unfortunately, a medicine that is not steeped in side effects has not been fully developed.
Unlike autism, ADHD is easier to notice, and it is more understood by the medical community.
You may remember that ADHD and ADD used to be two separate disorders, but more recently, all of the versions of attention disorders have been combined and simply separated into three types based on the main symptoms. These include Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation.
Just like autism, early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference in how the disorder affects children both during childhood and into adulthood.
What Causes ADHD and Autism?
The exact causes of autism and ADHD are not fully understood, but research has shown that the causes are complex and likely involve a combination of factors, including genetic, biological, and environmental. Some genetic mutations appear to be inherited, and others seem spontaneous. In ADHD, it may also be passed down from the parents.
There is also evidence of biological factors, including differences in brain structure or function. In people with ASD specifically, their neurotransmitter systems or hormonal imbalances may contribute to the cause.
Older parents, pregnancy or birth complications, and prenatal exposure to toxins, drugs, and alcohol are also risk factors.
Finally, environmental factors have been shown to contribute to autism and ADHD. These factors may include infections, medications, pollution, and exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. These metals may be found in old paint, pipes, and baby foods.
In ADHD specifically, early childhood trauma or stress can contribute to the onset of ADHD symptoms.
Despite extensive research, no single cause for ASD and ADHD has been identified, and it’s likely that it’s a combination of these factors.
Nobody is saying that toxic heavy metals in baby food are the only cause of autism or ADHD or that all babies who eat the products listed in the lawsuit will definitely develop autism or ADHD. The autism baby food lawsuits are about holding baby food manufacturers accountable for failing to warn consumers, failing to provide a safe product, negligence, and making money off the whole thing.
Although autism and ADHD are not fully understood, and their causes are not fully understood, it doesn’t mean that companies can produce dangerous products that they know to contain harmful toxins that have been proven to contribute to developmental disorders.
The Link Between Baby Food and Autism
Scientific research started to find a connection between the ingestion of these toxic elements from baby food and developmental disorders in children, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Various studies have shown that early exposure to these toxins in infants and children can lead to developmental delays and long-term neurological issues.
Because of the severity of this connection, it’s critical that parents and caregivers are aware of these findings so that they can make informed choices for their children.
Neurotoxic Effects
Heavy metals are associated with disruption of the neurotransmitters in the brain, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, all of which potentially contribute to or exacerbate ASD symptoms.
Epidemiological Studies
Some epidemiological studies (studies related to diseases) have found correlations between higher exposure to these metal toxins and increased rates of autism in children. However, these studies often caution that correlation does not establish causation and that further research is needed to explore whether they are linked or if one causes the other.
Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal studies (which are conducted over a long period of time) are being conducted to monitor and track the exposure levels of these metals from infancy into childhood and observe any corresponding development of ASD or any other developmental disorders.
Meta-Analyses
Meta-analyses examine multiple studies to compare their findings, methods, and results in order to reach a wider conclusion. Recent meta-analyses have been conducted to study the overall evidence for a link between exposure to toxic metals in baby food and autism. These studies provide a more thorough analysis that can guide further research and policy.
Experts Call For Precaution
Experts in pediatric health, neurology, and toxicology are calling for stricter regulations and better monitoring of heavy metal contaminants in baby food. Although a direct causation link to autism is not definitively proven, many experts believe that the potential risk justifies immediate action to ensure food safety for infants.
Pediatricians also suggest that, wherever possible, parents and guardians should minimize reliance on processed baby foods that are known to have higher risks of contamination until more research is available. This might include formulas from smaller brands, milk alternatives, and breast milk from the mother or from a breast milk-sharing service.
Overall, while there is significant concern and some suggestive evidence linking heavy metals in baby food to developmental issues such as autism, the scientific community continues to research this complex relationship to provide clearer answers and better guidance for parents.
What Toxic Metals Are In Baby Food?
Understanding the types of metals in baby food, the types of food contaminated, and the two are involved is important in the overall toxic heavy metal baby food lawsuits.
What Toxic Metals Are In Baby Food?
As we have mentioned, heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury have been found at high levels in some commercial baby foods and may be linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. These metals are known neurotoxins and can interfere with brain development in critical early stages.
- Arsenic: Inorganic arsenic is the most concerning form of the metal, and it can be present in fruits and vegetables like rice, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Arsenic is the most common toxic metal found in foods.
- Lead: Lead contamination comes from the soil and from older processing equipment.
- Cadmium: Cadmium can be absorbed by crops from contaminated soil or water.
- Mercury: While less common in baby food compared to the others, mercury exposure can happen through bioaccumulation in fish. Though it is less common, there are many common baby foods that contain mercury.
What types of baby foods contain heavy metals?
Toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are most commonly found in rice-based baby foods, teething biscuits, puffed rice snacks, and root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Blended fruit and vegetable pouches, especially those containing sweet potatoes, apples, and spinach, have also been shown to have high levels of metal in testing.
These ingredients tend to absorb more contaminants from the soil or water where they’re grown, making them higher risk for metal exposure compared to other baby foods. However, some companies, if they care to, do succeed in manufacturing these foods without the toxic metals, so it is possible.
How Do Heavy Metals Get Into Baby Foods?
The most common way that toxic metals get into baby foods is contamination from the source. Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury occur naturally in soil and rocks. They can be absorbed by plants grown in contaminated soil or taken up through irrigation water. This is why it’s so important that the source product, like rice, is grown safely and that everything is tested.
Industrial activities and the use of certain pesticides can release heavy metals into the environment, further contaminating soil and water sources and, again, getting absorbed into the plants that are harvested and turned into baby food.
Contamination can also happen during processing and packaging. Older processing equipment or components used in manufacturing can leak metals into the food. The lining of certain storage containers, especially if not properly regulated, may contain trace amounts of heavy metals that can leach into the food.
It’s important to note that organic baby food isn’t necessarily free from heavy metal contamination. While organic growing practices can reduce exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, they can’t control the natural presence of heavy metals in the soil or what might happen during processing and packaging.
What Can I Be Compensated for in the Baby Food Lawsuits?
We are seeking compensation for the direct and indirect harms and losses suffered by our clients, including:
Medical Expenses
This includes all current and future medical bills related to the child’s diagnosis and treatment, such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy, doctor visits, medications, and special equipment.
It also covers projected costs of ongoing medical care throughout the child’s life, considering potential future needs and inflation.
Educational Expenses
Educational needs and costs must be taken into account in cases involving developmental issues in children. This includes costs associated with specialized educational schools, programs, tutors, and other aides to support the child’s learning.
This can include current educational costs and future costs, depending on the age of the child.
Lost Wages
Lost wages can include wages that the parents were unable to earn because of their child’s needs. It also takes into account the loss of earning capacity, which compensates for the child’s potential future loss of income due to their developmental disorder.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and Suffering is not a tangible amount of money that can be calculated with receipts and projections. This compensation is more about the pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and inconveniences that the families and children will face.
This includes the physical and emotional pain the child and parents endure due to any disorders the child develops. This can also include loss of enjoyment of life, which compensates for the impact the disorder has on the child’s ability to participate in activities, socialize, and experience life at the same level as their peers.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages refer to monetary compensation that is intended to punish the wrongdoer for their misconduct and, importantly, to deter other similar companies and industries from engaging in similar conduct.
Other Damages
In cases of this complexity, damages can include many other costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Parental Care Costs
- Emotional Distress
- Sibling Impact
Not all affected plaintiffs will receive all of these damages. What each family receives depends on the specific details of the individual case.
How Much Will the Heavy Metal Baby Food Lawsuits Settle For?
Any guess at the settlement in the heavy metal baby food autism lawsuits is speculative, but in short, they’ll likely be in the low hundreds of thousands to one to two million dollars, with some mild cases likely settling for less. So, $50,000 to $2 million would be a reasonable range, if the plaintiffs come out on top.
Severity and the amount of damage are everything when it comes to determining the possible settlement in the Heavy Metal Baby Food Lawsuits.
If you want a more detailed explanation, read on.
Right now, there’s no confirmed settlement amount for the toxic baby food lawsuits. But if these lawsuits succeed, the payouts could be substantial. These cases involve major lifelong injuries that impact not just the child’s life but the parents and entire family, which makes them different from typical injury claims.
With that said, settlement amounts in the baby food lawsuits will depend heavily on how much the child’s life has been affected and how it will be affected in the future.
Some children with severe autism may require around-the-clock care, specialized education, and long-term therapies, which can add up to millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Other families may have a child who is dealing with ADHD and needs therapy and additional educational support, but it won’t cost them millions in expenses. Each case will be judged on its own merits.
Because a toxic baby food lawsuit has not been settled yet, and there have not been any mock trials conducted, attorneys have to look at similar cases to find an estimate. And it should be noted that estimates in a case like this are very, very difficult because of all the factors.
But, using this logic, the closest cases we can look at for reference are birth injury lawsuits involving permanent brain damage. In cases from the past, settlements often ranged from $1 to $5 million for a child who suffered brain damage during a birth injury (not a baby food case).
But we must be realistic: the baby food cases will likely settle for less due to the following reasons:
- difficulty in proving direct causation
- limits of how much these companies can realistically pay
- the large number of plaintiffs involved
- the fact that these megacorporations can often fight forever
Based on these factors, a realistic estimate could range from $350,000 to $1.5 million per case, depending on the child’s condition, the strength of the medical evidence, and how the case plays out in court.
What stage is the toxic baby food lawsuit at?
Hundreds of individual lawsuits have been filed across the country against baby food manufacturers who are accused of failing to prevent toxic chemicals from contaminating their products.
Because there were so many cases, all with similar complaints, the plaintiffs’ attorneys requested that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) combine the lawsuits. The JPML, a federal panel of judges, reviewed the motion.
Finally, in April 2024, a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) was created to consolidate most of these cases into a single federal court to streamline the proceedings. This was a significant step in the movement of the case.
What are the next steps in the toxic baby food lawsuit?
The next steps in the MDL will be:
- Pre-trial motions to decide things like dates and procedures.
- Establish leaders for both sides (called steering committees).
- Discovery is exchanged among parties, including expert witnesses.
- Testimony is challenged, especially in cases with a large scientific element. The defendants will challenge the expert’s opinions (in this case, that toxic metals in the baby food led to developmental disorders).
- Daubert hearings are usually held so the Judge can rule on the strength of the arguments and scientific evidence.
- If the evidence is allowed, the case will move forward, usually to test trials called Bellwether Trials.
The key issue in this case will be whether a scientific link can be established between the heavy metals and development issues in children.
Our firm is deeply involved in this litigation and is currently accepting viable cases to be filed in the toxic baby food lawsuits.
Why Choose Hach & Rose, LLP?
Hach & Rose, LLP is well-known for its vast experience in handling complex product liability cases against some of the biggest, most well-funded corporations in the world, including, asbestos lawsuits, Camp Lejeune lawsuits, hair straightener uterine cancer lawsuits, Ozempic lawsuits, Paraquat lawsuits, Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, and, of course, baby food heavy metals lawsuits.
Our success is documented through numerous client testimonials and past case results, where we have secured compensation for individuals and families who have been harmed by corporate greed.
Our approach focuses on a commitment to justice, comprehensive legal strategy, and personable client relationships.
Don’t let your concerns go unheard. If you believe your child has been affected by toxic baby food, contact Hach & Rose, LLP today for a free consultation. We can review your case and discuss your options. Contact us online or by calling (646) 603-1400.
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your family’s health and future.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baby Food Lawsuits
Baby food has been linked to autism through studies that show early exposure to some toxins, like heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, may interfere with brain development. While no one is claiming that baby food is the only cause of autism, the lawsuits argue that these products significantly increase children’s risk of developing autism and other neurological issues. The toxic baby food lawsuits are about accountability and helping affected families recover some of the money and losses that were caused by these companies’ negligence.
The toxic baby food lawsuits have named the following brands as containing high levels of toxic metals: Gerber, Beech-Nut, Plum Organics, Sprout, Earth’s Best (Hain Celestial), HappyBABY (Happy Family), and Walmart’s Parent’s Choice. The lawsuits claim the toxic metals in these baby foods caused autism, ADHD, and other developmental disorders in children who consumed their products.
To join the baby food MDL, families must file a claim through a qualified lawyer. The lawyer is responsible for vetting your case to make sure it meets the qualifications of the federal court handling the litigation and that there is enough evidence to prove your case. The autism/adhd baby food lawsuit is not specific to any one state and can be filed by either the parents of a child or an adult who was affected when they were a child.
Yes, but the deadline to file a baby food lawsuit varies from state to state. In many cases, parents have years to file, especially if their child was recently diagnosed. Some states allow lawsuits to be filed in these types of cases until the child turns 18; some allow even longer.
But what’s most important is that you don’t wait. Filing earlier increases your chances of building a strong case, having access to all the evidence, and securing compensation.
To file a toxic baby food lawsuit, you’ll need evidence that your child regularly consumed one of the baby foods named in the lawsuits and was later diagnosed with a developmental condition like autism or ADHD. Medical records, product purchase history, and a timeline of the child’s exposure and symptoms can help support your claim. An attorney can explain exactly what’s needed.
As of now, there has not been a nationwide baby food recall in 2025 specifically related to toxic metals. However, several brands have issued voluntary recalls in the past for similar contamination issues, so it’s possible future recalls may be issued. The lack of a recall doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real, though. Scientific studies continue to show the presence of harmful heavy metals at serious levels in popular baby foods and continue to add evidence to the claim that these toxins are linked to the development of autism, ADHD, other neurological conditions, and unspecified problems like learning disabilities and lower IQs.
Parents may be eligible for compensation related to medical expenses, therapy, educational costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering if their child developed a neurological disorder while consuming the baby foods named in these lawsuits.. The baby food lawsuits may also seek punitive damages to hold companies accountable for knowingly selling unsafe products. It’s important to know that each case will have its own settlement. This is not like a class action lawsuit where everyone will get X dollars. The compensation in these claims will depend on the severity of your child’s condition and the impact it has had on your family’s life.