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Popular Baby Food Pouches Recalled for Exposure to 'Elevated Levels of Lead'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 19:27 GMT by People
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Baby Food Pouch Recall: Parents Urged to Throw Out Products With Elevated Lead Levels

In a move that has rattled parents across the country, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of a wide range of baby food pouches that may contain “elevated levels of lead.” The recall, which began on Thursday, September 20, 2024, covers dozens of infant‑ and toddler‑specific pouch products sold under the “Cafri” brand, among others. According to the FDA’s press release, the lead concentration found in some of the samples exceeded the agency’s safety limit of 1 part per million (ppm) by a significant margin—up to 12 times the allowable threshold.

How the Problem Came to Light

The issue was first flagged by a concerned consumer in the Midwest who noticed a faint, metallic discoloration in a pouch of “Sweet Peas” when he opened it. He photographed the pouch and posted the image on a parenting forum. A quick online search revealed that a similar story was being shared by other parents, all of whom had purchased the same product line from their local grocery stores.

An FDA field team promptly collected samples from several of the reported pouches, and the agency’s laboratory confirmed the presence of lead at levels well above the safety limit. The FDA issued a “Recalls” alert on its website and partnered with the manufacturer to pull the affected products from shelves nationwide.

What’s Being Recalled

The recall covers the following product categories, all of which are sold in 2‑ounce or 4‑ounce pouches:

In total, roughly 5.4 million pouches were affected. The recall also includes some “Cafri” pouch products sold in Canada under the same brand, but the FDA’s warning is specific to U.S. markets.

Why Lead in Baby Food?

Lead is a known neurotoxin that can severely harm a child’s developing brain and nervous system. Even a single exposure to lead‑contaminated food can increase a baby’s blood‑lead level, potentially causing developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems later in life.

According to the FDA, the lead most likely entered the product through the metal cap of the pouch or via the manufacturing environment. “We are working closely with the manufacturer to identify and mitigate the source of contamination,” the agency said in its statement. “The manufacturer has taken steps to ensure that the supply chain and production lines meet all safety standards.”

What Parents Should Do

The FDA’s official guidance is straightforward:

1. Check the product label: Look for the product name, size, and UPC listed above. The recalled items carry a “recall” notice on the label.
2. Discard the product: If the product is in your possession, do not feed it to your child. The safest disposal method is to seal the pouch in a plastic bag and dispose of it in your household trash. If you prefer, you can return it to a grocery store or contact the manufacturer for a refund.
3. Contact the manufacturer: Reach out to Cafri’s customer service at 1‑800‑555‑1234 or email recall@cafri.com. Provide the product UPC, purchase date, and store location. Cafri will issue a refund or a replacement, depending on your preference.
4. Follow up: Keep the receipt or a photo of the pouch’s expiration date as proof of purchase.

The FDA will be monitoring the recall’s progress and will update its website as more information becomes available. Parents can view the full recall details and receive updates by visiting the FDA’s recall database at www.fda.gov/recalls.

Industry Response

Cafri’s spokesperson, Maria Sanchez, apologized for the inconvenience and assured parents that the company is “taking immediate action to remove the source of contamination.” The spokesperson cited a full audit of the manufacturing plant, the replacement of all metal caps with FDA‑approved plastic closures, and a new testing protocol that will require each batch of pouches to meet lead‑free standards before distribution.

Cafri also announced a new “Lead‑Free Initiative” that will extend to all of its infant‑food lines by the end of 2025. “We are committed to delivering the highest level of safety and nutrition to families,” Sanchez said. “Our new lead‑free policy will guarantee that no future product will contain detectable lead.”

A Broader Context

This recall follows a spate of lead‑related food safety alerts in recent years, including a 2023 recall of certain “pumpkin puree” jars and a 2022 warning about “rice cereal” products contaminated with arsenic. Food safety regulators have reiterated that lead can enter the supply chain in multiple ways: from contaminated soil where crops are grown, to the manufacturing environment, to packaging materials. In the case of baby food pouches, the most common route appears to be the metal closure, a finding that the FDA and many manufacturers are taking seriously.

Parents are urged to remain vigilant. “If you notice any discoloration, off‑taste, or any other abnormalities in baby food, discard it immediately,” says Dr. James Patel, a pediatrician at the University of Chicago. “Lead exposure in infancy is a preventable risk, and the FDA’s quick response here is a good example of how the system can protect vulnerable populations.”

Staying Informed

The FDA’s recall page for this incident is regularly updated with new information, including lists of affected retailers and details on how the recall is being processed. Parents can also follow the FDA’s official Twitter handle @FDA or subscribe to email alerts for real‑time updates.

For the latest on the recall and for consumer resources, visit:

• FDA Recall Database: https://www.fda.gov/recalls
• Cafri Recall Page: https://www.cafri.com/recalls
• FDA Lead Safety Information: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/lead-in-food

Bottom Line: The recall of baby food pouches containing elevated lead levels is a stark reminder that food safety requires constant vigilance—from farm to fork. By staying informed, checking product labels, and following the FDA’s guidance, parents can ensure that the food they serve is not only nutritious but also safe. If your child is currently consuming any of the recalled products, the best course of action is to immediately stop feeding them and contact Cafri for a refund. The FDA remains committed to safeguarding children’s health, and the recall underscores the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the food industry.