We see it again and again: big manufacturers learn about a defect or danger associated with one of their products, but they continue to allow consumers to purchase it without warning – all to avoid financial losses.
One recent report is particularly alarming, because it potentially affects millions of babies. The San Diego-based law firm CaseyGerry is investigating the allegations in a congressional report that revealed several well-known and trusted baby food brands contain dangerously high levels of metals and toxicity. We asked the firm to share the details they have so far.
Written by CaseyGerry, for Milestone: Investigation into Toxic Baby Foods
The investigation revealed alarming levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead in brands such as Earth’s Best Organics, Parent’s Choice, Plum Organics, and others.
Firm partner and member of the firm’s complex litigation team, P. Camille Guerra said, “The report shows that many of these companies were aware of the issue, yet they continued to sell these products, potentially endangering the public.”
Currently, companies are not required to include warnings of toxic heavy metals on their baby food products. In addition, there is no strict requirement for testing. While some manufacturers only test ingredients, an alarming number of baby food brands undergo no testing at all.
The investigation was led by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), chair of the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, who, on studying results from internal tests conducted by the manufacturers, found that all four brands contained high levels of heavy metals.
Mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic have been found to negatively affect babies’ brain development, damage the nervous system and have been linked to several chronic diseases. These four elements are listed on the WHO’s list of 10 Chemicals of major public health concern including heavy metals.
The report listed six major manufacturers:
- Nurture, Inc.
- Beech-Nut Nutrition Company
- Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (Earth’s Best Organic)
- Campbell Soup Company (Plum Organics)
- Walmart, Inc brand (Parent’s Choice)
- Sprout Foods, Inc. (Sprout Organic Foods)
Unfortunately, these findings affect many of us. As a family-oriented firm, CaseyGerry has been privileged to witness our attorneys and staff build their families, celebrate milestones, and offer one-another support in challenging times. We are outraged that those close to us may have also been harmed by the irresponsible actions of these manufacturers.
The oldest plaintiffs’ law firm in San Diego, CaseyGerry practices in numerous areas, including serious personal injury, automobile, maritime, trucking, aviation, product liability, sexual abuse, and class actions. Milestone works in tandem with law firms by guiding trial lawyers and their clients through the critical decisions that can come with settlement. We provide trusted guidance and financial strategies to set everyone up for a successful financial future.
