24-05-2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
