It’s an urgent recall.
Publix has issued a recall for one of its GreenWise baby food pouches due to potential lead contamination. The affected item is the Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea variety, which was removed from store shelves following routine testing by the company. Publix confirmed that no illnesses related to the product have been reported so far.
This recall comes shortly after another similar incident in March, when Target recalled its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme puree for the same reason. In both cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not issue a public health alert, which has raised concerns among food safety advocates.
Experts like Sarah Sorscher of the Center for Science in the Public Interest have voiced alarm over the FDA’s silence, noting that public warnings are crucial for consumer awareness and prompt removal of hazardous products. Lead is especially dangerous for infants and young children, potentially causing neurological damage, developmental delays, and behavioral issues, according to the FDA.
Contamination can occur during food processing or from produce grown in lead-tainted soil. In response to growing concerns, the FDA recently introduced voluntary lead limits in baby food for the first time. This regulatory shift has led to increased testing and recalls across the industry. Jennifer van de Ligt, a former FDA specialist, said these guidelines are encouraging manufacturers to be more vigilant.
However, advocates worry that budget reductions and staffing changes may undermine food safety initiatives. Reports indicate that the FDA briefly closed a lab focused on testing for heavy metals and cut positions related to public communication, delaying safety updates. The CDC has also reportedly downsized its lead prevention staff, despite ongoing restructuring. Critics argue that while agencies express a commitment to improving food safety, actual measures may not reflect those intentions.
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