
Target recalls over 25,000 units of baby food due to potential lead contamination, highlighting consumer safety concerns.
Quick Takes
- Fruselva USA recalls 25,600 units of a specific Good & Gather baby food due to elevated lead levels.
- The FDA classifies it as a Class II recall, indicating potential health impacts.
- Target swiftly removes the affected products and offers refunds to customers.
- Consumers are urged to discard affected products and check lot numbers carefully.
Recall Overview
Fruselva USA issued a recall for 25,600 units of Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Purée, sold exclusively at Target stores. This recall, initiated on March 12, 2025, targets 4-ounce containers intended for babies six months and older. Affected lot numbers are 4169 and 4167, with best-by dates of Dec. 7 and Dec. 9, 2025. The FDA categorized this as a Class II recall, suggesting potential temporary or medically reversible health consequences due to lead levels.
The recall comes amid growing concerns over lead in baby foods, an issue which has seen increased consumer attention. Babies and young children are notably vulnerable to lead exposure given their developing brains and bodies. An official statement underscored that no illnesses have currently been reported, and to date, no legal action has been announced against Fruselva USA.
Target’s Response and Consumer Guidance
Target swiftly removed impacted products from their shelves and reinforced their commitment to consumer safety, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Shoppers possessing affected goods are encouraged to discard them promptly and can seek refunds via Target Guest Relations or in-store visits. This proactive approach illustrates a dedication to consumer welfare amid recalls involving potential health risks.
A statement from the company said, “At Target, we’re committed to providing safe, high-quality products for our guests. We require our suppliers to comply with all applicable food safety standards and federal, state, and local regulations. This recall involved a limited amount of product, which we took immediate action to remove from our shelves.”
Consumers should verify the lot numbers on their purchases to ensure safety, as only certain batches are affected. Educational campaigns are also urging consumers to remain aware and vigilant concerning food safety updates.
Continued Efforts to Combat Lead in Baby Food
This recall underscores the broader industry challenges and regulatory efforts to mitigate lead exposure in children’s food products. The FDA has suggested new guidelines limiting lead levels, although Fruselva USA did not disclose the exact concentration found in the recalled items. California’s new Baby Food Safety Act, effective from January 2025, mandates monthly heavy metal testing in baby foods sold within the state, pushing for enhanced transparency in product safety.
According to Dr. Sana Mujahid, PhD, “We know that there is no safe level of lead exposure for babies and small children, who are particularly vulnerable to negative health consequences due to their smaller size and developing organ systems.”
As public awareness grows, companies are urged to share heavy metal test results publicly, with many hoping this will pave the way for stricter industry standards. Transparency and accountability remain focal points in the drive to ensure the safety of infant food products.
Sources:
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/04/baby-food-sold-at-target-recalled-because-of-lead-contamination/
- https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-recalls/target-baby-food-recall-lead-good-and-gather-a2735299586/
- https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/target-recalls-baby-food-due-to-lead-contamination-concerns/