A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland.
Nutrition is a significant part of people's daily needs, especially during the growing years where the body still develops. For the most part, babies are fed with baby food that is believed to have the beneficial nutrients they need. Recently, authorities have found toxic materials in several baby foods, which is a serious issue for mothers and parents.
In a report by Reuters, United Stated Congressional investigators discovered a high amount of toxic heavy metals, which according to them, can cause neurological damage in the long run. They add that the House Overside Subcommittee Report notes that internal company standards allow dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals. The documents reveal that the companies sold baby foods that surpassed those levels.
U.S. News and World Report emphasize that the panel put the products made by Hain Celestial Group Inc, Beech-Nut Nutrition, Nurture Inc, and Gerber, a Nestle unit, under analysis. However, they add that Walmart Inc, Sprout Organic Foods, and Campbell Soup Co did not respond and cooperate with the investigation.
Democrat Representative and chair to the panel, Raja Krishnamoorthi, notes in NBC that it is time to develop much better standards for the sake of future generations. Krishnamoorthi adds that the said manufacturers sell the baby food with their knowledge about the toxic heavy metals.
Read also: 7 Best Baby Food Delivery Services and Subscriptions
Side Effects of Heavy Metals on Baby Food
According to the U.S. House of Representative, Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury is present in most of the brands of baby foods examined. They add that the results are even higher than the FDA's standard.
In a World Health Organization report, the inhalation of Mercury can cause neurological, respiratory, digestive, and immune system is harmful as it causes tremors, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, and cognitive and motor dysfunction. Healthline notes that long-term exposure to arsenic may cause cancer. This only means that these heavy metals present in the baby's food may cause trouble if consumed continuously.
U.S. News and World Report add that the report notes that FDA has no new action in response and baby foods with the said heavy metals still have no labels or warnings for parents who will avail them for their infants.
Defendants Claim on Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food
Meanwhile, Reuter emphasizes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration counters that their goal is to reduce the toxic elements since they are present in the environment, entering the food supply through the air, water, and soil.
On the other hand, companies involved in the investigation claim that they are currently doing their job to diminish the alleged harmful materials that naturally occur in the environment. Hain Celestial exclaims in U.S. News and World Report that the panel might have examined outdated data and do not reflect their present practice.
The FDA notes in NBC that they acknowledge that there is more work to be accomplished; however, they restate their commitment to sustain the reduction of consumer exposure to the said toxic elements and other contaminants in the food. The toxic materials found by the panel in the baby foods may pose a danger, yet it is important to note that more analysis must be done to confirm heavy metals' existence.
Read also: Tips for Making Organic Baby Food Puree
WATCH: Popular baby foods "tainted" with toxic heavy metals, report says from CBS Evening News
