Beech-Nut, one of the oldest and largest baby food manufacturers in the country, has come under scrutiny as testing confirms concerning levels of toxic heavy metals in its products. Exposure to these metals, which include arsenic, lead, and mercury, has been linked with an increased risk of developmental disorders, such as autism and/or ADHD.
This page will focus on the legal claims that have been filed against Beech-Nut and how affected individuals can take action against the manufacturer for the potential harm caused by heavy metal contamination in their products. Wisner Baum is committed to helping families seek justice against manufacturers who allegedly sold toxic baby food products. The firm will fight to ensure rights are protected and that all legal options are pursued.
Beech-Nut Lawsuit – 2025 Updates
August 2025: Toxic Baby Food MDL Gains Momentum
The baby food products liability MDL filed in the Northern District of California has over 200 pending actions. It is believed that the litigation will continue to grow in the coming months as more parents are informed of the risks associated with toxic heavy metal exposure and the dangers of consuming contaminated baby food.
March 2025: Plaintiffs Dealt Setback in Federal Class Action Against Beech-Nut
A consolidated class action lawsuit filed against Beech-Nut was tossed in New York federal court after the judge found that plaintiffs hadn’t shown they suffered an injury, and therefore lacked the standing to sue. While the dismissal comes as a blow for plaintiffs who allege Beech-Nut engaged in misrepresentation when it came to the safety of its products, it does not eliminate all legal options. Parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other developmental disorders after consuming Beech-Nut baby food products may still be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
January 2025: FDA Announces Action Levels for Lead in Baby Food Products
The FDA has announced action levels for lead as part of its Closer to Zero initiative. While most experts agree that no amount of lead is safe for human consumption, the FDA has stated that lead must be limited to 10 parts per billion (ppb) for fruits, vegetables (except single-ingredient root vegetables), mixtures, yogurts, puddings, and single-ingredient meats and 20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry infant cereals.
It is important to note that Beech-Nut set internal lead levels of 5,000 ppb for certain ingredients, according to a 2021 Congressional report. These standards were the highest for any manufacturer that provided information to the oversight committee.
April 2024: Toxic Baby Food Lawsuits Centralized in MDL out of the Northern District of California
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has issued an order to centralize over 20 lawsuits related to toxic heavy metals found in baby food products sold in the U.S. The formation of MDL No. 3101: In Re - Baby Food Products Liability Litigation will help to streamline the process and move cases along more quickly than if dozens of claims with similar questions of fact were brought before courts nationwide.
July 2023: Consumer Reports Study Finds High Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals Remain in Beech-Nut Products
According to research conducted by Consumer Reports, toxic heavy metals remain in many Beech-Nut products. In particular, products containing sweet potatoes, carrots, and whole grain cereals were most at risk. It was recommended that children consume less than 0.5 servings per day of Beech-Nut Naturals Sweet Potato due to its heavy metal contamination.
June 2021: Beech-Nut Issues Voluntary Recall of Baby Rice Cereal Due to Toxic Arsenic Levels
In June 2021, Beech-Nut issued a voluntary recall of its baby rice cereal, noting that the product contained arsenic levels exceeding limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a part of the recall, the company said it would no longer sell the product, which was labeled as Single Grain Rice Baby Cereal.
It was not the first time the company had issued a recall of its products. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a voluntary recall of 1,920 pounds of baby food due to possible glass contamination. The recall occurred after a small piece of glass was found in one of the products. Beech-Nut’s Stage 2 Sweet Potato and Chicken was the product affected by the recall.
April 2021: Beech-Nut Sued by Attorney General for Misleading Parents
After a damning Congressional report found that the majority of commercial baby food products sold in the United States contained elevated levels of toxic heavy metals, the Attorney General of Washington, D.C., filed suit against Beech-Nut Nutrition Company for their alleged complicity. According to the legal complaint, the Office of the Attorney General, then overseen by Karl A. Racine, alleged that Beech-Nut engaged in “deceptive and misleading advertising,” violating consumer protection laws and misleading parents by stating its products were undergoing stringent testing and were safe for consumption by children and infants.
What Is the Beech‑Nut Baby Food Lawsuit?
Individuals are filing lawsuits nationwide alleging Beech-Nut baby food contains dangerous levels of heavy metals and that exposure to these heavy metals can cause developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. Many of these claims have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation out of the Northern District of California. While the MDL helps to move cases along through the legal process, it does not prevent affected families from seeking individualized compensation.
Litigation is ongoing. Parents of children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other developmental disorders after consuming Beech-Nut baby food are encouraged to seek legal counsel and take action against the manufacturer. Independent and internal testing confirms the presence of heavy metals in Beech-Nut baby food products, meaning that large numbers of children may have been exposed to these toxins.
Why Beech‑Nut Is Under Scrutiny
On February 4, 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy issued a report on the dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals found in most commercially sold baby products in the US. The oversight committee requested internal documents and test results from seven of the largest baby food manufacturers in the country, including Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, which was the second-largest manufacturer at the time.
Internal documents provided by Beech-Nut not only confirmed elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury, but they also showed that the company routinely used additives that were high in these toxic heavy metals. Additionally, internal company standards allowed for dangerously high levels of these toxins. Even more concerning, tested ingredients often exceeded even these exceptionally high standards, meaning that large amounts of children consumed baby food contaminated with toxic levels of heavy metals despite the product being labeled as safe and natural.
The Congressional report prompted Attorneys General to file suit against Beech-Nut, alleging that the company misrepresented the safety of its products and falsely claimed that its products underwent stringent testing. Additionally, it contributed to a 2021 voluntary recall of one of the brand’s rice cereals due to high levels of arsenic. Concerns continue to grow over the safety of Beech-Nut baby food products and have become the center of legal claims filed throughout the US.
Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Beech-Nut Baby Food Products
According to the 2021 Congressional report, health officials from the FDA and the World Health Organization have determined that toxic heavy metals, such as inorganic arsenic, lead, and mercury, are dangerous to human health, particularly infants and children. In some cases, exposure to these toxins can cause irreversible neurological damage. Internal documents provided to the oversight committee confirm the presence of these heavy metals in Beech-Nut baby food products marketed and sold in the US.
Arsenic
Arsenic has been listed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry as a substance posing the “most significant potential threat to human health.” Exposure can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal damage, as well as neurological and immunological effects, particularly in children. It can cause a decrease in IQ even with low levels of exposure.
The Congressional report found that Beech-Nut only tested its ingredients and not its final products for heavy metals. Of the ingredients tested, things like Amylase had arsenic levels as high as 913 ppb. At least 13 ingredients had arsenic levels at 300 ppb or higher, and 45 had levels exceeding 100 ppb.
Lead
Lead exposure has been linked with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including behavioral problems, decreased cognitive performance, learning disabilities, and delayed puberty. According to the congressional report, even low-level chronic exposure can be dangerous. The FDA recently set an action level of 10 ppb for most baby food products.
Internal testing confirmed that Beech-nut used ingredients containing lead levels as high as 886.9 ppb and that 57 of the ingredients tested contained levels exceeding 20 ppb. Ingredients such as cinnamon, organic cumin, organic coriander, oregano, and amylase used by the company all significantly exceeded acceptable levels of lead.
Cadmium
While there has been limited regulation on what is considered a safe level of cadmium in drinking water, advocacy groups like Healthy Babies Bright Futures have said that companies should set a goal of no measurable amount of the metal. Exposure to cadmium has been linked with an increased risk of autism and/or ADHD and other developmental or behavioral disorders.
The Congressional report found that Beech-Nut used ingredients with cadmium levels up to 344.55 ppb and that over 100 of the company’s ingredients had levels exceeding 20 ppb.
Mercury
Mercury exposure has been linked with an increased risk of autism and/or ADHD. Despite the dangers associated with this metal, companies like Beech-Nut rarely tested their ingredients or final products for it.
Beech‑Nut Products Identified in Lawsuit
While Beech-Nut has repeatedly marketed its products as safe, reports show that the baby food contained dangerous levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury. According to a 2021 Congressional Report, self-regulations and limited oversight allowed Beech-Nut and others in the industry to set standards well beyond any level of safe consumption.
A study by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) found that 95% of commercial baby foods contained at least one heavy metal, including those marketed and sold by Beech-Nut.
Products identified by HBBF as having high levels of heavy metals:
- Single Grain Baby Cereal (117 ppb arsenic, 86 ppb inorganic arsenic)
- Oatmeal Whole Grain Baby Cereal (23.8 ppb arsenic)
- Classics Sweet Carrots (27.2 ppb lead, detectable mercury)
- Classics Sweet Potatoes (24.1 ppb lead)
- Classics Mixed Vegetables (17.9 ppb lead, detectable mercury)
In addition to these products, rice cereal produced by Beech-Nut was recalled in 2021 due to high levels of arsenic, leading to its discontinuation. Additionally, Consumer Reports recommended limiting consumption of the company’s Naturals Sweet Potato due to heavy metal contamination.
Beech-Nut Product Recalls or Discontinuations
In 2021, after the release of the Congressional Report on the toxic heavy metals found in baby foods, Beech-Nut recalled one of its single-grain rice cereals. The voluntary recall was due to arsenic levels exceeding regulatory standards. The company said that it would no longer sell the item as a result of heavy metal toxicity. Prior to that, the company had issued a limited recall of some products due to glass contamination.
It is important to note that legal claims do not have to be based on recalled items. Parents whose children were diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other neurological disorders after consuming Beech-Nut products may still have a valid legal claim against the manufacturer.
Do I Qualify for the Beech-Nut Baby Food Lawsuit?
To file a Beech-Nut baby food lawsuit, claimants must meet certain requirements. Primarily, children must have been regularly fed Beech-Nut baby food products. Additionally, they must have been diagnosed with a qualifying developmental disorder, such as autism and/or ADHD.
Affected families are encouraged to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible to determine eligibility. Gathering documents, such as proof of Beech-Nut purchases, feeding logs, and medical records, can help to strengthen claims.
Individuals who believe they have a valid claim should act quickly to ensure the prompt filing of the case. Failure to file within the legal deadline or state-specific statute of limitations could result in the case being denied or dismissed.
How the Beech‑Nut Lawsuit Works
Many legal claims alleging that Beech-Nut products contained unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation out of the Northern District of California. An MDL helps to streamline the pre-trial process while still ensuring the ability for plaintiffs to receive individualized compensation. Due to the strict procedures associated with MDLs, it is important to consult with a toxic baby food lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine the best course of legal action and ensure that all legal requirements are met prior to filing.
Compensation Available in Beech‑Nut Baby Food Cases
Individuals who file a toxic baby food claim against Beech-Nut may be eligible for compensation. Compensation can help to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses. In addition, an experienced attorney may be able to secure compensation for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
Potential compensation in a Beech-Nut baby food lawsuit:
- Economic damages: Includes compensation for medical bills, future treatments, therapy, specialized education costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses.
- Non-economic damages: May include compensation for less obvious losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Compensation in Beech-Nut baby food cases is expected to vary substantially, depending on the independent circumstances of the case. For instance, children with a more life-altering or severe diagnosis may receive a larger financial recovery, compared to those with more moderate injuries.
Filing a Toxic Baby Food Claim Against Beech-Nut
Taking prompt action in a toxic baby food lawsuit is critical. An attorney can help determine the proper legal steps to take to ensure the best chance of securing justice and compensation. It is imperative to act as soon as possible since there may be strict legal deadlines that apply to the case.
Steps to filing a Beech-Nut toxic baby food claim:
- Consult with an attorney: An attorney can help determine eligibility in a Beech-Nut baby food lawsuit. During the initial case evaluation, an attorney will review the claim to determine whether there is a valid legal case and then will assist in filing the case in the appropriate jurisdiction.
- Gather evidence: After retaining an experienced toxic baby food lawyer, claimants must gather the evidence necessary to support the case. Evidence might include a comprehensive set of the child’s medical records, proof of purchase of Beech-Nut products, feeding logs, and proof of out-of-pocket losses.
- File the case: The attorney will then file the case in the appropriate courthouse or join the existing MDL.
Contact a Beech-Nut Baby Food Lawsuit Attorney
Parents of children who have suffered harm after eating Beech-Nut baby food are encouraged to contact Wisner Baum for a free legal consultation. Early legal action often proves critical to the outcome of the case and can help ensure that justice is served in toxic baby food lawsuits. Contact the firm today to determine whether you have a valid legal claim against Beech-Nut.
Beech-Nut Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can my baby eat Beech-Nut baby products?
Many parents wonder whether Beech-Nut baby food is safe for consumption. According to internal and independent testing, some Beech-Nut baby food products may contain unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals. When consumed, these heavy metals may cause behavioral and neurological problems, including ADHD and autism.
Q: Why are people filing lawsuits against Beech-Nut?
People are filing lawsuits against Beech-Nut alleging the company knowingly sold baby foods that contain dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals. The lawsuits allege exposure to arsenic, lead, and/or mercury can cause neurodevelopmental harm in young children, including autism and ADHD.
Q: Did Beach-Nut recall baby food due to heavy metals?
Yes, Beech-Nut voluntarily recalled its Stage 1 Single Grain Rice Cereal in June 2021 due to elevated arsenic levels that exceeded the FDA's guidance limit. The Beech-Nut recall was triggered after routine testing by Alaska state officials found arsenic levels above the federal threshold.
This was the first infant rice cereal recall for arsenic concerns since the FDA established its voluntary limit in 2016. Beech-Nut permanently discontinued the sale of all rice cereal products following the recall, citing concerns about "the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level".
The recall represents only part of Beech-Nut's heavy metal contamination issues. A 2021 congressional investigation revealed that Beech-Nut baby food contained some of the highest heavy metal levels among major manufacturers, with internal testing showing arsenic levels up to 913 parts per billion and lead levels up to 886 parts per billion in ingredients—far exceeding safety standards for other food products.
Despite these findings, Beech-Nut has not recalled other products with elevated heavy metal levels.
Q: Are there heavy metals in Beech-Nut baby food?
Yes, Beech-Nut baby food contains heavy metals including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. A 2021 Congressional investigation found that Beech-Nut baby food contained some of the highest heavy metal levels among major manufacturers.
According to the Congressional report, Beech-Nut used ingredients containing extremely dangerous levels of toxic metals:
Arsenic: Ingredients tested as high as 913 parts per billion (ppb) arsenic—91 times the FDA's maximum safe limit of 10 ppb for drinking water. Beech-Nut regularly used "high-arsenic" additives testing over 300 ppb (30 times the FDA limit).
Lead: Beech-Nut used ingredients containing up to 886 ppb lead—177 times the FDA's maximum safe lead level of 5 ppb for drinking water. The company used 89 ingredients with over 15 ppb lead and 57 with over 20 ppb lead.
Mercury: Beech-Nut told the Congressional subcommittee that it doesn't test for mercury in its finished products or ingredients.
Cadmium: Beech-Nut used 105 ingredients that tested over 20 ppb cadmium, with some testing as high as 344 ppb—far exceeding the FDA's 5 ppb limit for drinking water.
Despite these alarming findings, Beech-Nut maintains that its products are safe and notes that heavy metals occur naturally in the environment. The company now claims to conduct over 255 different tests for toxins and environmental contaminants. However, Beech-Nut has not recalled products beyond its 2021 rice cereal recall.
Q: Am I eligible to file a Beech-Nut toxic baby food lawsuit?
The best way to determine eligibility in a Beech-Nut baby food lawsuit is by consulting with an experienced attorney. In general, parents must be able to show that their child regularly consumed Beech-Nut baby food and were subsequently diagnosed with autism, ADHD or another qualifying condition.
Q: What do I need to prove my child ate Beech-Nut baby food?
Things like receipts, feeding logs, and photographs can help to prove that your child consumed Beech-Nut baby food on a regular basis.
Q: What kinds of conditions qualify for a Beech-Nut lawsuit?
We are filing lawsuits on behalf of children who were diagnosed with autism or ADHD after consuming Beech-Nut products. If your child consumed products from Beech-Nut and was diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD, you may qualify for the lawsuit.
Q: How long do I have to file a Beech-Nut lawsuit?
The amount of time you have to file a Beech-Nut lawsuit will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. The best way to determine any legal deadlines that may be applicable to your case is by consulting with an attorney as early in the process as possible.
Q: What toxic metals have been found in Beech-Nut baby food?
Studies indicate that elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury have been detected in Beech-Nut baby food products.
Q: Do I need an attorney to file a Beech-Nut lawsuit?
While it is not required to have an attorney represent you in a Beech-Nut lawsuit, it is strongly recommended. Toxic baby food lawsuits are complicated and should be handled by an experienced litigator.
