The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the recall of over 26,000 containers of Good & Gather baby food, which are contaminated with a toxic metal that can cause health problems in infants. If you recently purchased a product from this brand, here’s what it is and what you need to do.
Which Good & Gather baby food was recalled?
The recall involves two batches totaling 26,500 units of Good & Gather vegetable puree in 113g containers. The affected puree contains peas, zucchini, kale, and thyme. The packages are marked with lot numbers 4167 and 4169, UPC 1 91907-99314 1, and expiration dates of December 7 and 9, 2025.
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Why was the Good & Gather vegetable puree recalled?
According to the FDA, the Good & Gather vegetable puree showed elevated levels of lead—a metal that can cause harmful health effects in infants. As a result, the recall has been classified as a Class II recall.
Where was the recalled Good & Gather vegetable puree sold?
The affected product was sold exclusively at Target stores.
What should I do if I bought the recalled Good & Gather vegetable puree?
Target stated that customers who purchased any of the recalled products can contact Customer Relations at 1-800-440-0680 or visit a Target store to receive a full refund.
How does lead affect children?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lead poses a particular risk to infants and young children, as even very low levels can negatively impact behavior, cognitive development, and academic performance.
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What is the FDA?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency whose mission is to protect public health. It does so by overseeing the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, biological products, and medical devices for both human and veterinary use. The FDA also ensures the safety of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products.
In addition, the FDA regulates the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products in order to protect public health and reduce tobacco use, particularly among minors.
As part of its mission, the FDA also promotes public health by fostering innovation and making medical products safer, more effective, and more accessible. It provides clear, science-based information to help the public make informed decisions about the use of food and medical products that contribute to their well-being.
The FDA also plays a key role in defending the country against terrorism by ensuring the safety of the food supply and promoting the development of medical products to respond to both intentional and naturally occurring public health threats.
What is a Class II recall?
The FDA classifies product recalls into three categories based on the potential risk to consumers. A Class II recall occurs when use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or when the likelihood of serious consequences is remote. The other two FDA recall classifications are:
- Class I Recall: Issued when there is a reasonable probability that using the product will cause serious health consequences or death.
- Class III Recall: The lowest level, issued when use or exposure is not likely to cause adverse health effects.
The recall process usually involves the following steps:
- The company initiating the recall notifies its customers and urges them to inform any intended recipients of the product.
- The notice typically includes the product name, lot or serial number, the reason for the recall, a brief explanation of the associated risk, and instructions on how to correct, avoid, or minimize the issue. A phone number is also provided for recall-related inquiries.
- The company may also issue a public press release if necessary to mitigate potential health impacts.
