Start ClaimUnderstanding Heavy Metal Dangers
Many parents are shocked to learn that baby foods from trusted brands contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals. A 2021 congressional report revealed levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury far exceeding safety standards.
These metals are particularly dangerous to infants and toddlers whose brains are rapidly developing. Heavy metals cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with neural connections, potentially causing permanent neurological damage.
Medical research increasingly links early exposure to these toxins with neurodevelopmental disorders. A 2019 study found that early-life heavy metal exposure was associated with increased autism risk, while research in JAMA Pediatrics demonstrated connections between metal exposure and ADHD symptoms.
The FDA’s 2021 “Closer to Zero” action plan aims to reduce toxic elements in baby foods. However, for many California children already affected, this action comes too late, leaving families managing complex conditions requiring lifelong support.
Contaminated Baby Food Brands
Gerber products contained inorganic arsenic up to 90 times higher than FDA’s limit for bottled water. Congressional investigations revealed regular sales of products with dangerous heavy metal levels.
Beech-Nut baby foods contained concerning arsenic and lead levels. The company recalled some rice cereals due to arsenic, but many children in San Diego consumed these foods before recalls.
Despite marketing as healthier, Earth’s Best products contained high arsenic, lead, and cadmium levels. Internal documents show they knew about contamination issues but continued sales.
Marketed as premium organic food, HappyBABY products contained up to 180 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic, far exceeding safety standards. Internal testing confirmed company awareness.
Plum Organics’ foods contained significant heavy metals. Testing revealed concerning arsenic and lead amounts in products marketed specifically for infants and toddlers.
Walmart’s baby food products contained heavy metals exceeding safety standards. As an affordable option, these products were widely used by California families across socioeconomic backgrounds.
If your child consumed these products and was diagnosed with autism or ADHD, our San Diego toxic baby food lawyers can help determine if you have a valid claim.
Legal Claims Against Manufacturers
Standards California has strong consumer protections. Under strict product liability, manufacturers are accountable for harmful products regardless of negligence if they contained substances that harmed children.
California Consumer Legal Remedies Act prohibits deceptive marketing, like presenting contaminated baby food as safe and nutritious. Violations can result in significant damages.
Manufacturers must warn about known product risks. Companies knew their baby foods contained dangerous heavy metal levels but failed to disclose this critical information to parents.
Baby food cases were consolidated into “Baby Food Products Liability Litigation” (MDL No. 2997). This streamlines proceedings, letting California families join while maintaining unique damage claims.
For injuries to minors, California’s filing deadline begins when children turn 18. Families have until their child’s 20th birthday to file, giving time to establish exposure-disorder connections.
The Jurewitz Law Group has extensive experience with complex product liability cases and understands how to build compelling arguments against negligent manufacturers for maximum compensation.
Do You Qualify?
Parents across San Diego are discovering their trust in major baby food brands was misplaced. If your child developed autism or ADHD after consuming commercial baby foods, you may be eligible for compensation. Our toxic baby food attorneys are reviewing cases meeting these criteria:
- Baby Food Consumption
Your child regularly consumed store-bought baby food from manufacturers including Gerber, Beech-Nut, Earth’s Best Organic, HappyBABY, Plum Organics, or Parent’s Choice. Purchase documentation strengthens your claim. - Medical Diagnosis
Your child has received a formal diagnosis of either:- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Timing
The diagnosis should have occurred after the baby food consumption period. Most qualifying cases involve children diagnosed between ages 2–10. - Family History
Cases are stronger with limited or no family history of these conditions, suggesting environmental factors played a significant role.
Even if you’re uncertain whether your case meets all criteria, use our San Diego toxic baby food online assessment tool for a free evaluation.
Seeking Justice Steps
Our online evaluation tool makes determining claim validity simple and confidential. Answer a few questions about diagnosis and baby food consumption to learn if you qualify.
Valid claims may receive compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, special education, lost parental wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs for children requiring lifelong support.
We represent families on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation. This allows California families to pursue justice against corporations without financial risk.
While California provides extended deadlines for minors, don’t wait. Evidence becomes harder to gather over time, and earlier claims may be positioned more advantageously in MDL proceedings.
San Diego Families Deserve Justice
Learning your child’s developmental challenges may have been caused by toxic baby food is devastating. These manufacturers had a duty to ensure product safety yet created lifelong consequences for children across San Diego.
The Jurewitz Law Group’s toxic baby food attorneys are committed to fighting for affected families. We understand the complex scientific and legal issues and have resources to take on large corporations.
Don’t face this difficult situation alone. Check your eligibility for a toxic baby food lawsuit today.