Beech-Nut baby food has been tested to contain high levels of arsenic and lead. A congressional investigation found levels of arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals that can harm brain development in many popular baby foods, including organic brands.
Among the brand names mentioned were Gerber and Beech-Nut. Exposure to heavy metals can cause permanent damage to a child’s brain development.
Beech-Nut faced a lawsuit over this matter and recalled their Stage 1 Single Rice Grain cereal noted for high arsenic levels. Other Beech-Nut products are still available in the market.
In 2019, Beech-Nut co-founded The Baby Food Council, aimed at reducing levels of heavy metals in food products as low as reasonably achievable.
Beech-Nut ingredients are USDA certified organic, free from preservatives or additives, and there is a range of products available. The company emphasizes the introduction of a variety of flavors and textures to help broaden a baby’s palate.
Recall on Beech-Nut Baby Food:
Is there a recall on Beech-Nut baby food? Yes, the FDA issued a recall announcement for Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal on June 8, 2021.
Safety and Differences Between Brands:
The main differences between Beech-Nut and Gerber baby food lie in their ingredients and packaging. Beech-Nut uses organic ingredients without preservatives or additives, and their products come in single-use lids, while Gerber includes preservatives and additives and sells baby food in reusable jars.
Baby Food Safety Reports
Two Congressional reports were released in 2021 that many popular baby food brands, including Beech-Nut, were tainted with dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals.
In response, Beech-Nut issued a voluntary recall and decided to exit the market for its Single Grain Rice Cereal. The company also emphasized it’s challenging to consistently obtain rice flour with low levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic.
How To Address The Recall:
Customers can contact the Beech-Nut Consumer Hotline at (866)-674-4446 for any questions or return the recalled product for a full refund or exchange. The recall equated to approximately 768 cases of baby food jars.
Final Notes:
The report emphasized that Beech-Nut ingredients are organic and do not contain preservatives or additives, unlike Gerber products. Despite the safety concerns and recall, Beech-Nut continues to advocate for safer baby food standards.