At least 52 toddlers from 25 states across the nation have suffered adverse events linked to recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce contaminated with lead. The reports of adverse events involve children as young as less than 1 year old and as old as 4 years of age.

This has lead to the recall of applesauce products from three brands, namely: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavoured applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches all linked to the lead contamination.

On the supermarket shelves, there are hundreds of varieties of baby food, ranging from purees, sauces, cereals, and fruit and vegetable snacks. Over time, experts have discovered concerning amounts of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic in these products. While this is one news headline, it is a fraction of a broader issue.

More specifically, a study conducted by the Healthy Babies, Bright Futures association found that 94% of baby foods and homemade purees made from raw ingredients contained detectable amounts of heavy metals. Lead was found in 90% of baby foods, arsenic in 68%, and cadmium in 65% of baby products.

Even more concerningly, in most cases, these levels of heavy metals fall within the legal limits! However, the problem with these limits is that if infants consume contaminated products frequently and in large quantities (which is often a high probability), they may face health issues. This is not an unfortunate case of negligent contamination, its rather deliberate efforts at normalising so-called baby foods that pose a great risk to the health of children.