US Issues Urgent Nationwide Recall of Baby Food Linked to Organ Damage Risk

Target Recalls 25,000 Baby Food Containers Over Lead Contamination
(Include image: Good & Gather Baby Purée product photo with visible lot numbers)

Target has issued a nationwide recall of 25,600 four-ounce containers of its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Purée due to elevated lead levels. The affected batches include Lot #4169 (Best by December 9, 2025) and Lot #4167 (Best by December 7, 2025). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded the alert to a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary harm to organs or the brain if consumed.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is a toxic metal that poses severe risks to infants and children, whose developing bodies absorb it more readily. Even low levels can cause irreversible neurological damage, lower IQ, developmental delays, and behavioral issues. Dr. Sana Mujahid of Consumer Reports emphasized, “There is no safe level of lead exposure for babies.”

(Include image: Infographic showing lead’s impact on brain development in children)

FDA Regulations and Response
In January 2025, the FDA set stricter limits for lead in baby food: under 10 parts per billion (ppb) for most products and 20 ppb for root vegetables and cereals. The recalled purée exceeded these thresholds. Target stated it requires suppliers to meet safety standards but has not yet added the recall to its official website.

What Consumers Should Do

• Dispose of the product immediately.
• Return it to Target for a full refund or contact Guest Relations at 800-440-0680.
• Consult a pediatrician if a child consumed the purée. Blood tests (finger prick or venous draw) can detect lead levels.

(Include image: Parent discarding baby food with refund instructions overlay)

Understanding Lead Testing
The CDC uses a 3.5 µg/dL blood lead reference value to flag elevated levels. Most U.S. children under five have levels around 0.83 µg/dL, per NHANES data. While lead exposure is often linked to old paint or contaminated water, imported foods, cosmetics, and spices can also carry risks.

Broader Lead Exposure Sources
Recent CDC findings identified unsafe lead levels in spices from Vietnam, India, and Syria. Parents should also check children’s items like clothing, toys, and stainless steel products for contamination.

This recall underscores the critical need for vigilance in food safety and regular testing to protect children from lead’s lifelong consequences.

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