In 2021, a Congressional report found that commercial baby food from several top brands in the United States was tainted with toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. These heavy metals can have significant effects on development, brain function, and behavior. While heavy metals are naturally found in soil, water, and crops, it is alleged that the manufacturing process and poor industry practices may have resulted in higher levels.
In this blog, we cover baby food brands that, as of March 2026, have demonstrated a commitment to transparency and safety when it comes to reducing heavy metals in their products.
Consumer Safety Groups Identify the Safest Baby Food Brands
After multiple industry-leading baby food brands were found to have products with toxic levels of heavy metals and poor manufacturing processes, several states took action to require more transparency in the industry. California law now requires baby food manufacturers to publish test results for their products, providing more information to the public and enabling parents to make more informed decisions about what to feed their children.
This data along with third-party testing, consumer safety reports, and independent databases have helped to identify brands which may have lower levels of heavy metals. While this does not guarantee safe consumption it does help provide parents with more information to make better-informed choices when it comes to the food they feed their children.
Square Baby
Square Baby is a dietitian-designed frozen baby food that is delivered to your home. The company offers a wide variety of pureed foods and has received numerous awards for their sustainable packaging, purity and testing.
Third-party recognition of Square Baby:
It is important to note that Square Baby and other baby food brands named by third-party organizations as “safe” does not mean that they are completely free from heavy metals. Since these metals occur naturally in the environment, some ambient levels of these metals can still be found in the food.
However, testing and reporting by the above-referenced organizations indicates that the levels are lower in these products when compared with some other companies.
Serenity Kids
Another brand that is regularly touted as having lower levels of heavy metals when compared with some popular baby food brands is Serenity Kids. The parent-founded brand of pouches has received multiple awards.
Third-party recognition of Serenity Kids:
White Leaf Provisions
Family-run White Leaf Provisions has been recognized by several consumer interest groups for their regenerative farming practices. They have been Certified Biodynamic by Demeter and are Clean Label Project certified. According to Pretty Organic Girl, the brand is third-party tested for heavy metals.
Once Upon a Farm
Celebrity-backed baby food company Once Upon a Farm is USDA Certified Organic and Clean Label Verified, as reported by Pretty Organic Girl. The brand received recognition from Consumer Reports as one of the “Most Transparent Brands” and, according to the organization, voluntarily reports on products that are not covered by California’s new baby food transparency law.
Little Spoon
The baby food brand, Little Spoon, is USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO. It was also recognized by Better Goods as one of safer organic baby food products.
Which Baby Food Brands Are Under Scrutiny or Litigation
While the above-mentioned baby food brands have received recognition for their practices and lower heavy metal results, some baby food brands remain under scrutiny and are facing litigation. The 2021 Congressional Report as well as independent testing found that these major baby food brands reportedly had toxic levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Brands identified in the 2021 Congressional Report include:
Other Ways to Reduce Heavy Metals in Your Child’s Diet
For decades, parents put trust into leading baby food brands believing the products to be safe. As the 2021 Congressional report and subsequent investigations revealed, many baby foods from some of the leading manufacturers contained elevated levels of heavy metals that may impact behavioral and neurological development in children.
Below are some helpful tips for avoiding heavy metals in baby foods.
Read Food Labels
Foremost, parents should read food labels to determine what ingredients are present in their child’s baby food. Some ingredients have been linked with a higher risk of certain heavy metals, including rice-based products, root vegetables (such as sweet potatoes), and fruit juices, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic.
While parents can easily find alternatives to rice-based cereals and other baby foods, it may be more challenging (and not necessarily recommended) to replace all root vegetables. Instead, parents should offer a variety of foods to minimize exposure.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is also a good way to reduce the risk associated with consuming heavy metals. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then with the introduction of other foods for two years or beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.
Replace Fruit Juice with Water
According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, heavy metal exposure can be significantly reduced by replacing fruit juice with water. Tap water has 68% less toxic heavy metals than fruit juice, as indicated in the study.
What to Do If You Suspect Heavy Metal Exposure
If you notice changes in your child’s behavior or development, and suspect that heavy metal exposure may have occurred, it is important to act fast. Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately to discuss options for testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Be sure to document any symptoms, including the date they were first noticed and if they have worsened. Record and keep proof of baby food consumption, such as packaging information and product labels. These documents can help during a medical evaluation or in future litigation.
Support for Families Harmed by Toxic Baby Foods
Parents are encouraged to stay vigilant and to do research on safe baby food brands or those with lower heavy metals. California state law now requires manufacturers to post test results on their websites. This information should be reviewed carefully to help make informed decisions on product safety.
If you believe your child was harmed by a toxic baby food product, there is help available. The attorneys at Wisner Baum are industry leaders in toxic baby food litigation. We represent over 8,000 families in lawsuits against major baby food companies. Contact Wisner Baum today at (310) 207-3233 to schedule a free consultation or to receive information about how we can help.
