Baby food sold at Publix recalled over suspected lead: See which states
Baby food sold at Publix recalled over suspected lead: See which states
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Why food recalls are increasing
E.Coli, metal and even a dead bat have been found in recalled food. In fact, food recalls are increasing. Yet, that might actually be a good sign. Here's why.
USA TODAY
Publix is recalling some baby food due to the potential presence of elevated lead levels, the grocery chain announced.
The grocery store chain, one of the largest in the country, has initiated a voluntary recall of GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food, produced by Bowman Andros LLC, the company released in a May 9 statement.
The affected product was sold in 4-ounce plastic pouches and distributed to Publix grocery stores.
The chain, which operates about 1,400 stores in eight states, said there had been no reported cases of illness as of the statement.
Potentially impacted products have been removed "from all store shelves," Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said in the statement.
Publix did not say how many units of the product were affected but said the recall is being conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was triggered by routine sampling.
Video: FDA, HHS announce plans to increase testing for heavy metals, contaminates in baby formula
What baby food is being recalled?
The product has a best-used-by date of Nov. 1, 2025.
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is 41415-00901.
What states are impacted by recalled baby food?
The recalled baby food was shipped to Publix in the following southern states:
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
How much lead is safe for babies?
According to the FDA, the metal lead is found in some baby foods. Previous USA TODAY reporting shows a study conducted for the Healthy Babies Bright Futures organization tested 168 baby foods from dozens of brands, including Gerber, Similac and Enfamil, and found that 95% were contaminated with one or more toxic heavy metals.
The FDA has also implemented measures to reduce lead levels in baby food, including guidance for industry with action levels for lead in processed food intended for babies and children, as small amounts of lead may affect their behavior, development and academic achievement, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How to get a refund for recalled baby food
Consumers who have purchased affected baby food may return the product to their local store for a full refund.
Publix customers with additional questions can call 1-800-242-1227 or visit publix.com.
Contributing: USA TODAY's Bailey Schultz.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
40 minutes ago
- The Hill
How thousands of unreviewed ingredients got into our food — and what FDA can do about it
At least 1,000 ingredients in food products on our grocery store shelves have never been checked for safety by the Food and Drug Administration. Dozens have raised serious safety concerns among experts. How did the FDA allow this? The answer can be found in the agency's lax interpretation of a little-known legal designation that lets companies decide for themselves if ingredients in their products are safe. Fortunately, there are steps the agency can take right now to stem the flow of potentially unsafe ingredients into our food supply. Environmental Defense Fund outlined these steps in a letter we recently sent to the agency, but first let's take a closer look at how we got here. 'Generally Recognized as Safe' is a designation Congress created in 1958 to allow commonly used food ingredients to bypass the FDA's pre-market safety review process. It was meant for food substances — such as oils, vinegar, baking soda and common spices — that were widely considered safe due to their long history of everyday use. Since 1958, this status has been coopted to cover a universe of foods that extends far beyond its original intent. According to FDA regulations, a chemical can receive the designation if experts widely agree that scientific evidence shows its use to be safe. But because 'Generally Recognized as Safe' wasn't meant for newer ingredients, Congress allowed ingredients so designated to skip the FDA's premarket approval process — despite requiring similar evidence for other additives. Under the agency's current interpretation, companies can designate the use of a substance as safe and take products with that substance to market without informing the FDA or the public of its decision. While companies may voluntarily submit a notice to FDA offering safety evidence, they are not required to — and often don't. Our organization estimated that manufacturers have notified FDA of fewer than half of the ingredients they market as safe under the 'Generally Recognized' standard. Companies that do bother to submit a notice to the FDA are free to withdraw it at any point and take their product to market, provided they can cite evidence of its safe use. But this 'evidence' is often far from independent. Companies can, and often do, enlist their own employees or handpicked consultants to conduct their safety assessments. The result is a process riddled with conflicts of interest that lets unsafe foods into Americans' homes. We analyzed 'Generally Recognized as Safe' notices received by the FDA, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, and found that of the 1,163 submitted by companies between 1997 and April 2024, 192 were later withdrawn, with safety concerns cited in at least a dozen cases. We also identified 31 ingredients that companies have advertised to be recognized as safe, such as in press releases, trade publications and on their own websites (see the Appendix of our letter). However, we were unable to find the scientific evidence required under this standard to demonstrate these ingredients are commonly regarded as safe among experts. This raises red flags that FDA should be taking seriously. Although a comprehensive fix to the 'Generally Recognized' standard will require legislation from Congress, there are significant steps the FDA can take right away to ensure a more rigorous determination process that better protects Americans' health. Starting today, the FDA can use existing authority to remove safe designations from ingredients it deems unsafe and take them off the market. It can also notify manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that the substance is no longer recognized as safe. In addition, the FDA can enforce the requirement that companies base safety designations on publicly available data. Although this won't curtail companies' ability to self-declare substances as safe, it will require those who do to be transparent in citing their evidence. Third, the FDA can enforce the requirement that safety assessments consider vital health information such as a substance's dietary sources, potential cancer risks and the cumulative health effects of similar substances. Finally, the FDA can make companies revise and resubmit their data for review when they submit 'Generally Recognized as Safe' notices that fail to comply with the criteria. The 'Generally Recognized as Safe' designation is far from a perfect system, but it can work better if it is interpreted and enforced more comprehensively. If the FDA is serious about protecting public health, it should start by fully exercising the tools already at its disposal. Maria Doa is senior director at the Chemicals Policy at Environmental Defense Fund. Maricel Maffini is an independent consultant focused on human and environmental health and chemical safety.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Orangetheory opening new studios in 6 states this year. See where.
Orangetheory continues to add locations to its growing fitness studio chain. The one-hour workout gym, which describes itself as the "multivitamin of workouts," operates nearly 1,300 studios and sees growth opportunities in mid-sized cities and suburban markets, the company said in an email to USA TODAY. Orangetheory also pointed to growth opportunities in larger markets including Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle. Orangetheory merged with Self Esteem Brands in 2024 and is now a part of the Purpose Brands portfolio, which includes Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness and SUMHIIT Fitness along with other fitness and wellness brands. Here's where Orangetheory Fitness is set to open new locations. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Where is Orangetheory opening new locations? Orangetheory told USA TODAY it plans to open 13-17 new studios across the U.S. in 2025, with an emphasis on markets where the company sees continued demand. The company is planning to open locations in the following cities in 2025: Davis, California Visalia, California Hebron, Kentucky Fenway, Massachussets Centerville, Ohio Florence, South Carolina San Antonio, Texas Woodlake, Virginia Where has Orangetheory already opened new locations? Orangetheory has opened seven new studios so far this year, according to the company. Here's where: Fairfield, California West Boynton, Florida Carrolton, Georgia Gainesville, Georgia Grand Rapids, Michigan White Lake, Michigan West Harlem, New York Where are future locations planned for 2026 and beyond? Orangetheory noted it sees growth opportunities in markets including Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, Baltimore-Washington, D.C., Boston-Providence and Los Angeles. The company also said it has signed agreements for three new studios in North Carolina and six in Utah.
Business Upturn
5 hours ago
- Business Upturn
ProZenith Launches Natural Supplement Formulated for Weight Management Support
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 7, 2025, 06:50 IST Aurora, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProZenith recently announced the launch of its new wellness supplement developed to assist individuals in maintaining energy, focus, and mindful appetite awareness as part of a balanced and active lifestyle. Manufactured in the United States in a facility that is FDA-registered and GMP-certified, the product is now available through official online channels. ProZenith is intended for individuals pursuing support for general weight management and overall well-being. Its formulation includes select ingredients chosen to align with healthy routines and support individuals seeking help managing non-hunger-related snacking behaviors. Each purchase of ProZenith is covered by a 60-day refund policy, reflecting the company's customer-first return assurance framework. All ProZenith supplements are manufactured without genetically modified ingredients and adhere to U.S. quality standards. Production takes place in an FDA-registered facility that complies with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). ProZenith is currently available through the company's official online platform at with multiple purchase options provided for convenience. About ProZenith ProZenith develops nutritional supplements designed to support individuals on their wellness journeys. The company emphasizes high-quality manufacturing, transparency, and customer satisfaction as it continues to expand its product offerings for health-conscious consumers. For customer support inquiries, contact: [email protected] Disclaimer: This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Media Contact: Company: ProZenith ProZenith Address: 19655 E 35th Dr #100, Aurora, CO 80011 19655 E 35th Dr #100, Aurora, CO 80011 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Order Phone Support: (925) 217-7353 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
