How Toxic Heavy Metals Were Found In Some Of The Most Popular Brands?

Our team has carefully sourced ingredients so that we can meet that commitment. Although full-term infants can also develop necrotizing enterocolitis, it is far more common in those who are premature. This is believed to be due to their immature digestive systems, which are less able to resist harmful bacteria and other agents than those of full-term babies. There are many factors at play, but an increasing body of research dating back to at least 1990 shows that formula-fed infants are at greater risk for this condition. The full settlement or verdict amount in an NEC baby formula lawsuit depends on the individual facts of the case and what damages the plaintiff seeks to recover.
Generally, most states average a two-year statute of limitations for this type of lawsuit. Campbell Soup Co., which owns Plum Organics, said in a statement that the company "is confident in the safety and quality of our products." But Oster, along with other parenting resources like Solid Starts, which advises parents on how to safely introduce solid foods to their babies, say there’s little parents themselves can do about the problem. The report particularly focused on the arsenic content of flavored rice puffs, a favored quick snack for parents of older babies and toddlers. These cases often involve tens of thousands of injured consumers, and courts may look at all the cases at once. Showing how a product caused an injury can require legal and scientific expertise which many Austin personal injury attorneys simply do not have.

Unlike other law firms, we never settle for the best last offer but fight hard for the maximum possible recovery for our clients. We can draw on the expertise of countless investigators, physicians, and legal team members ready to investigate cases and hold companies accountable for the harm they have done. If your damages exceed those of other plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit, you may wish to opt-out of the class action and file an individual personal injury case. Some attorneys charge hourly fees for their services when working on your personal injury case.
Litigation is ongoing for many plaintiffs who are suing the manufacturers for toxic baby formula, and it is possible that, as developments continue, many plaintiffs may be combined into a multi-district litigation lawsuit. The timeline of each lawsuit depends on how quickly the plaintiffs and defendant are willing to reach a settlement, but could continue for months or even years. Enfamil and Similac are baby formula manufacturers who are being sued by parents of premature babies who claim their children developed NEC as a result of being fed toxic baby formula produced by these companies.

Children diagnosed with autism had elevated levels of toxic heavy metals in the deciduous teeth . Critically, studies by HBBF also find that there is little difference between the amount of heavy metal contamination in store-bought baby foods and the amount in homemade purees. In many of the foods we tested, the levels of heavy metals combined were more concerning than the level of any one specific heavy metal. “Each of these metals has shown similar adverse effects on children’s developing brains and nervous systems, and there are potential additive effects,” says CR’s Akinleye. The Healthy Babies Bright Future’s suggestions for parents included reducing the consumption of rice-based baby foods and choosing filtered water over juices.
Another tip is to avoid feeding your child rice-based products because rice absorbs metals in the soil and tends to have the highest trace amounts of heavy metals. There are a number of companies making baby foods that do not contain heavy metals above the maximum safe levels set by health authorities. These companies use higher-quality ingredients with fewer heavy metals and also perform strict product quality testing on the contamination levels of their  product before they leave the production line.
The FDA plans to create a new food safety unit called the Human Foods Program that will focus on the importance of nutrition. The deputy commissioner for human foods is expected to have clear decision-making authority to ensure the US food supply’s safety. A court order that Beech-Nut mount a corrective advertising campaign and take other affirmative actions, such as product recalls. Among the four companies’ data, Beech-Nut showed the highest level for three of the four metals. The fourth — mercury — is something that Beech-Nut don’t even test for. Campbell, Sprout and Walmart refused to comply with the subcommittee’s requests.

In response to the call to action in the subcommittee's report, the FDA told ABC News it plans to announce "soon" the date for a public meeting that will "address questions around the scope of the Closer to Zero plan." Autism Spectrum Disorder is a range of developmental disorders that affect verbal and non-verbal communication. People with autism have a range of symptoms, but they commonly have deficits in communication and social skills, limited interests, sensory issues, and repetitive behaviors. Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor and report on this litigation and any responsive regulatory actions or developments.
Parents should be able to expect that the food they purchase to feed their children is safe for consumption. Nurture was the only company that tests for Mercury, with test results showing unsafe levels. The Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Lawsuit can apply to you, a family baby food autism lawsuit member, or a loved one who lived at Camp Lejeune and suffered health effects from the decades of water contamination that occurred. A group of Camp Lejeune injury lawyers have been appointed to leadership positions in the growing litigation against the U.S. government.

In October of 2021, Attorney General William Tong joined 23 other attorneys general petitioning the FDA to protect the health and well-being of children across the country by prompting actions to eliminate heavy metals from baby food. The report further breaks down the side effects of each of the heavy metals found in baby foods. There have never been any successful tort lawsuits in which autism was the primary injury. Previous efforts to link autism to some type of negligent action have generally failed.
Even low levels of exposure can cause serious and irreversible harm to their brains, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization. They can also work to negotiate a settlement or represent the plaintiff in court, advocating for their rights and seeking compensation for their losses. By working with a skilled attorney, plaintiffs can increase their chances of a successful outcome in a bad baby food injury lawsuit. “If you add to this the pesticides that are intentionally used when growing foods, the problem becomes almost too large to think about – do you address one toxicant at a time? ” adds Kordas, who studies the health effects of exposure to lead and other harmful metals and chemicals, particularly in children.

The condition is caused by the formula being contaminated with bacteria which can lead to inflammation, necrosis , and eventually, perforation of the baby’s intestine. If your baby has NEC, doctors will watch, diagnose the condition, and monitor the healing process. The diagnosis typically includes blood tests, abdominal x-rays, and blood gas analysis. Bereaved parents will not have to pay our legal fees unless they receive compensation in the case.
Fat is essential for nutrient absorption, brain development, hormone regulation, and building the immune system. Meat is not only totally digestible for babies, but it is a far more efficient source of protein than any other food we eat. Prioritizing meat, fat, and vegetables over sugary fruits, beans, and grains will help your baby’s energy and mood. The FDA announced in April its Closer to Zero plan, which has a goal of reducing exposure to toxic elements in foods eaten by kids and babies "to the lowest possible levels." Photo JGI Jamie Grill - Getty ImagesBaby food manufacturer Beech-Nut Nutrition Company has been slapped with a lawsuit by Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine over claims that it misled customers about the health and safety of its products. By pursuing legal action, you can help contribute to increased health and safety for consumers, and can prevent such issues from recurring in the future for other parents and children.
You need a skilled, experienced attorney to fight for every dollar you deserve. If you believe your infant received formula in the hospital, you might be able to find out by contacting a hospital caseworker. If the hospital is reluctant to release this type of information, your attorney may be able to help you get to the bottom of it. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances.