Latest news with #MariaBrous
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Publix Food Recall Update as FDA Issues Arsenic Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a Publix recall of a popular baby food item as a Class II recall, citing elevated levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic in the product. The affected item, the "Greenwise Pear Kiwi Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouch," was distributed across eight Southern states. Newsweek has contacted Publix outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters The FDA's Class II recall designation means the agency believes exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious health issues is remote but not negligible. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium and arsenic are toxic at elevated levels and particularly dangerous when consumed over time by vulnerable groups such as infants. Long-term exposure may contribute to developmental delays, lower IQ and behavioral issues in children. While not as urgent as a Class I recall, the Class II designation still indicates a serious public health matter that warrants consumer caution and attention. A file photo shows a baby being fed. A file photo shows a baby being fed. Anthony Devlin/Press Association via AP What To Know The recall was initiated by Publix on May 9 and was classified by the FDA on June 3. The affected product, the "Greenwise Pear Kiwi Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouch," comes in a 4 oz pouch, and is marketed for babies aged six months or older. The product has a "Best if used by" date of November 1, 2025, and was packed in cases of 14 pouches. They had a lot code of 24BA306. The baby food pouches were distributed across the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia and Kentucky. A total of 53,620 units were distributed, which equated to 3,830 cases. What People Are Saying Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said: "As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves. To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the product in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund. Publix customers with additional questions may call our customer care department toll-free at 1-800-242-1227 or visit our website at First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization, wrote on its website: "Heavy metals can contaminate food products at many steps of the food production process. Some heavy metals are introduced through fertilizers and insecticides, while other heavy metals occur naturally in soil and are absorbed by plants. Runoff from roads, factories, and dumping grounds can also pollute water sources used for crops. In addition to the agricultural process, heavy metals can be introduced into food products through fortified vitamins and minerals that are added during the manufacturing process." What's Next The recall remains ongoing. Consumers are urged to check packaging for the product label and best-by date and to avoid feeding the product to children under any circumstance. Parents or caregivers who believe a child has consumed the recalled product and is exhibiting symptoms are advised to consult a pediatrician immediately.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Publix has recalled baby food due to lead levels. What shoppers should know
Publix has recalled fruit and vegetable baby food sold under its GreenWise brand in Florida and seven other states after testing found elevated amounts of lead. Publix announced the recall on its website on May 9 and it applies to all 1,404 stores in the Lakeland-based chain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted its recall announcement on Thursday. The problem with lead Exposure to lead, even small amounts, can be harmful to children, especially those ages 6 and younger, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead can harm the brain and nervous systems and lead to developmental problems like growth and speech. What to look for The recalled baby food comes in 4-ounce pouches of GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food with a best by date of 11/1/2025. The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is 41415-00901. Bowman Andros produced and distributed the baby food from its Virginia plant for Publix. Where was the baby food sold? The Pear, Kiwil, Spinach & Pea Baby Food was sold in the eight states Publix has stores in: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. How did Publix find the problem? Publix discovered the problem in North Carolina and initiated the recall after routine sampling discovered elevated amounts of lead. North Carolina agricultural officials found levels at 13.4 parts per billion in the samples, according to ABC News. In January, the FDA offered a guidance report that recommended a limit of 10 parts per billion for products intended for babies and young children. 'As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,' Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said in the FDA recall announcement. 'To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.' What you should do Consumers who have purchased the GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food may return the pouches to their local store for a full refund, Brous said. Publix customers with additional questions can call the customer care department at 800-242-1227. Target baby food recall Miami's Fruselva USA recalled two lots of Good & Gather baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree that it manufactures for Target stores nationwide in March. The concern? The possibility it contained too much lead. That Target baby food recall covered lot Nos. 4169 with a best by date of Dec. 9, 2025, and 4167 with a best by date of Dec. 7, 2025. About 25,600 4-ounce bowls were in that recall. Miami Herald reporter David J. Neal contributed to this report.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
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 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 Contributing: USA TODAY's Bailey Schultz. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grocery Store Chain Recalls Popular Baby Food Pouch Due to 'Elevated Levels of Lead'
Publix has recalled its GreenWise brand Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea food pouch The supermarket chain shared the pouches had "elevated levels of lead" discovered during a routine sampling Publix added that there have been "no reported cases of illness" linked to the productPublix had recalled a popular baby food pouch due to potential lead contamination. The grocery store chain announced its GreenWise brand was recalling the Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea food pouch, noting that the recall is voluntary and has been made due to 'elevated levels of lead.' The recall was made after routine sampling and the company added that there have been no reported illnesses linked to this product. The pouches come in four-ounce containers and have the identification number of 41415-00901. Their sell by date is listed as Nov. 1, 2025. 'As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,' said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous in a statement. 'To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.' Anyone who purchased the product can return it to their Publix store for a full refund. And any customers with further questions have been directed to the supermarket chain's customer care department at 1-800-242-1227 or their website at Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Publix has stores in eight states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. This recall marks the latest in popular baby food brands identifying elevated lead levels. Target issued a recall of its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree in April. For children, ingesting even low levels of lead can lead to health complications as they grow older, according to Mayo Clinic. Children may develop issues with brain development, which can cause "irreversible damage.' Being exposed to high levels of lead can also lead to 'damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults,' per the clinic. Read the original article on People
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Publix recalls baby food pouches over suspected lead presence
Publix Super Markets has issued a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food due to the potential presence of elevated lead levels, the company announced last week. The product, manufactured by Bowman Andros LLC and distributed exclusively to Publix stores, was sold in 4-ounce plastic pouches and is labeled with a 'best if used by' date of November 1, 2025. It carries the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) 41415-00901. Advertisement The recall impacts stores across Publix's eight-state footprint, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. Publix has issued a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food. Publix According to the company, the recall, which is being conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, was triggered by routine sampling. 'As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,' Maria Brous, Publix's director of communications, said in a statement. Advertisement 'To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.' Publix is urging customers who purchased the affected baby food to return it to their local store for a full refund. Those seeking more information can contact Publix's customer care line toll-free at 1-800-242-1227 or visit the company's website at Lead exposure can be particularly harmful to infants and young children, with potential health risks including developmental delays and behavioral issues. Advertisement The FDA has tightened oversight in recent years on heavy metal content in baby food, prompting heightened industry testing and voluntary recalls like this one. The recall impacts stores across Publix's eight-state footprint, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. Christopher Sadowski Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the United States, operates 1,404 stores and employs more than 260,000 associates. The grocery chain has built a reputation for food safety, quality and customer service and has been named to Fortune's list of best places to work for 28 consecutive years. Advertisement This latest recall follows a series of heightened concerns nationwide about contaminants in baby food, which have led to increased scrutiny from regulators, pediatricians and consumer safety groups. Consumers who suspect they may have purchased the recalled product are encouraged to check the packaging carefully and discontinue use if the GTIN and expiration date match the recalled batch. No other GreenWise or Publix baby food products are affected by the recall.
