Baby Food Autism Lawsuit

Our law firm is handling baby food autism lawsuits in all 50 states.

Several popular brands of baby food contain high levels of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These heavy metals are well-known neurotoxins. Thousands of children may have developed autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders due to toxic metals found in baby foods.

A growing number of parents are pursuing a toxic baby food lawsuit to hold manufacturers accountable for their children’s exposure to harmful contaminants. These baby food autism lawsuits allege the manufacturers knew about heavy metals in their products, and children developed autism from consuming them. 

Our legal team is actively investigating toxic baby food lawsuits nationwide. On this page, you will find:

1. The most recent news on toxic baby food litigation in state and federal courts,,
2. How our toxic baby food lawyers believe these claims will unfold, and
3. Estimated settlement amounts if this litigation is as successful as we expect.

If you have a potential baby food autism case, call us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.

Baby Food Autism Lawsuit Updates 2024

Before we dive into the substance of the baby food autism lawsuit, let’s look at where we are in the litigation:

December 12, 2024: Case Management Conference Today

There is a status conference today.  Here is the agenda:

1. Identification of the discovery Plaintiffs require from Parent Defendants for general causation proceedings.
2. Identification of the discovery Plaintiffs require from Walmart’s co-manufacturers for general causation proceedings.
3. Schedule for expert discovery.
4. Deadline for the parties to submit competing proposals for initial Plaintiff fact sheets.
5. Plaintiffs’ production of loyalty program information to Defendants.
6. Deadline for submitting a joint letter regarding discovery disputes related to Defendants’ interrogatory responses.
7. Page limits for future case management conference statements.
8. Rescheduling the May 29, 2025, further case management conference to May 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

December 3, 2024 – Motion to Dismiss Filed in MDL

Yesterday, the major baby food manufacturers filed a motion to dismiss all claims in the MDL.  In their motion, the defendants argue that the claims lack scientific evidence and fail to establish a direct causal link between heavy metal exposure in baby food and the development of autism.

The defendants maintain that the levels of heavy metals in their products are unavoidable and stem from naturally occurring elements in the environment. They further argue that the plaintiffs have not demonstrated that the companies acted with negligence or malice, asserting compliance with existing federal safety standards. The motion also contends that the lawsuits rely on speculative connections rather than definitive scientific studies to support the allegations.

In addition to challenging the causation argument, the defendants claim that the lawsuits would interfere with federal regulation of baby food, asserting that the FDA has the sole authority to regulate contaminants in food products. They argue that litigation in state and federal courts creates inconsistent standards that could disrupt a uniform regulatory framework so plaintiffs’ claim are preempted.

These are really hard arguments to make especially at this stage of the litigation. First, while heavy metals may naturally occur in small quantities, plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers failed to take reasonable measures to reduce contamination or warn parents about the risks. Is their argument really that since there is some heavy metals, there is no way there can be too much heavy metals in baby food? The argument is ridiculous.

Additionally, the hide behind the FDA defense is really not well suited for this litigation.  And the assertion that causation has not been proven is extremely premature and it ignores a growing body of research suggesting that heavy metals contribute to neurodevelopmental issues including autism and ADHD. These shortcomings make it extremely unlikely that any part of this motion to dismiss will succeed.

December 2, 2024 – 23 New Cases in MDL

The toxic baby food MDL grew by 23 cases in November, a 44% increase from October’s 20 new cases. The total number of cases now stands at 75. If there is a verdict for the plaintiff in state court in California in January, you will see a surge of new baby food claims, but that will not immediately translate into more lawsuits.

November 25, 2024 – Maryland Joins California

November 22, 2024 – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Heavy Metals in Food

RFK Jr. is well-known for his controversial views on public health. One of his least contentious positions is his concern about heavy metals in food. If confirmed as HHS Secretary, he will indirectly align with plaintiffs in these lawsuits.

This alignment is especially significant under a Republican administration. Historically, Republicans have been strong supporters of Big Food, often serving as a counterbalance to environmental concerns about toxic chemicals. The loss of that support creates headwinds for baby food manufacturers in this litigation that give plaintiffs new momentum in this litigation.

November 13, 2024 – New Deadlines

A status conference set some new deadlines.  A hearing for any Rule 12(b) motions, which allow defendants to request dismissal based on specific legal deficiencies in the complaint, is set for February 27, 2025, with a briefing deadline of February 6, 2025. Expert discovery for general causation will begin in April 2025, with a hearing scheduled for December 8, 2025.

The parties are finalizing a protective order for Nurture’s document production, due by November 14, 2024, and plaintiffs may issue subpoenas to Wal-Mart’s suppliers and co-manufacturers while preserving relevant purchase records.

Plaintiffs are preparing a short-form complaint, to be finalized post-Rule 12(b) ruling, and a Plaintiff Fact Sheet is expected by year-end. Future case management conferences are set monthly, beginning December 12, 2024.

November 7, 2024 – January Trial Date

The energy in the baby food litigation right now is focused on a trial coming up in California state court on January 21, 2025. This trial will get ahead of the MDL to be the first baby food heavy metals case to reach a jury. We are very optimistic. This case will serve as an early opportunity to assess how a jury responds to claims that toxic metals in baby food cause brain injuries in children.

This trial will focus on whether manufacturers like Gerber and Beech-Nut were aware of the heavy metal content in their products and if they failed to warn consumers adequately (although that question answers itself).

November 1, 2024 – MDL Growth Slow

Twenty new toxic baby cases were added to the class action MDL in the month of October. This nearly doubles the size of the MDL, pushing the total pending case count from 32 to 52.

Again, there is generally no immediate rush to file a baby food autism lawsuit for minors. Most states have statute of limitations rules that protect children’s rights. Typically, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until the child reaches adulthood, allowing extra time for those who might not have recognized harm earlier.

But baby food lawyers have to be careful. Several key factors add complexity to the issue. Statute of limitations vary widely between states—some allow minors a set number of years past age 18 to file, while others may have shorter or longer periods.

Additionally, some states impose a statute of repose, which sets a hard deadline on claims regardless of discovery or the child’s age. Jurisdictional differences also affect timelines, as states may follow different rules on when the clock starts, such as upon harm discovery or sale of the product.

October 27, 2024 – Rice and Heavy Metals

This litigation continues to drill down on the problems associated with rice in baby food and the heavy metals you see in some rice.  Rice is a staple ingredient in many baby foods due to its soft texture and nutritional versatility. But it’s also uniquely prone to absorbing heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium from the environment.

Grown in flooded fields, rice has a higher risk of arsenic exposure because water allows arsenic to mobilize from soil into plants more easily. This arsenic, especially the inorganic type found in rice, is known to have carcinogenic properties and can harm children’s developing brains.

Studies have linked inorganic arsenic in rice-based baby foods to risks of neurodevelopmental delays and lowered cognitive function, sparking concern from regulatory agencies and fueling lawsuits against baby food manufacturers for not implementing stricter testing and safety protocols​.

October 22, 2024 – Threshold Dose of Toxic Metals

We know the battlefield in the MDL over the threshold dose in the baby food litigation will center on the scientific, medical, and regulatory interpretation of what constitutes a “safe” or “harmful” level of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in food consumed by infants and toddlers.

Plaintiffs have argued int he state court cases that there is no safe level of heavy metals for infants and toddlers, citing evidence that even minimal exposure can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, and conditions like ADHD or ASD. There are studies showing adverse effects at levels previously considered safe and emphasize the unique vulnerability of young children, whose developing brains and organs are particularly susceptible to toxins. Plaintiffs also argue that the cumulative effect of repeated, daily exposure to heavy metals in baby food over time creates a substantial risk of harm, even if each individual exposure is small.

Defendants, on the other hand, will challenge this assertion by arguing that minimal exposure does not necessarily result in measurable harm. They will push some studies suggesting that the body has mechanisms to tolerate or detoxify low levels of heavy metals without significant health consequences.

October 15, 2024 – Baby Food Statute of Limitations

In toxic baby food cases, the statute of limitations is often paused, or tolled, for minors until they reach 18 years of age. This means that children typically have additional time to file claims once they become adults. However, some states have unique rules—like Florida, which limits, unfairly in our view, the time to file even for minors in certain cases involving toxic exposure or negligence.

The statute of limitations is more complicated than it seems. Rules like the discovery rule (when the clock starts from the time an injury is discovered) can extend deadlines to file a lawsuit.  There are also exceptions, like the one we just talked about in Florida, can extend or shorten deadlines. Each state applies these rules differently, which can impact eligibility to file.

October 13, 2024 – Baby Food Loyalty Programs and This Litigation

October 1, 2024 – MDL Adds Two New Cases

After dropping from 31 to 30 cases in August, the toxic baby food MDL bounced back very slightly in September by adding 2 new cases bringing the total back up to 32.

Toxic baby food lawyers are mostly sitting on the sidelines before filing many individual lawsuits, waiting to see how this litigation unfolds.  Unless you need to file a lawsuit because of an upcoming statute of limitations, it makes sense to wait and see how the litigation plays out before filing suit.

August 24, 2024 – New Court Order

There was a status conference in the MDL on Thursday. These are the most important things that came out of that hearing:

1. Production of Heavy Metal Test Results: Defendants must produce test results for heavy metals in baby food ingredients and final products, as well as product formulas, for the period from 2012 to 2021.
2. Water Test Results: Defendants are also required to produce heavy metal test results for water used in manufacturing baby food during the same 2012-2021 period.
3. Identification of Third-Party Co-Manufacturers: Defendants must identify any third-party co-manufacturers involved in producing the listed baby food products for the 2012-2021 period. Defendants with insufficient test data must also identify their suppliers.
4. Evidence Preservation: By September 12, 2024, each defendant must file a document detailing the steps taken for evidence preservation, including when and how litigation holds were implemented.
5. ESI Protocol: The parties must jointly submit an agreed-upon ESI (electronically stored information) protocol by September 19, 2024, along with any areas of disagreement and arguments for their respective positions.
6. Future Case Management Conferences: The Court scheduled further case management conferences on September 26, 2024, November 7, 2024, and December 12, 2024, with the next update due on September 24, 2024.

August 22, 2024 – New Lawsuit in the MDL

A Florida family has filed a lawsuit against major baby food companies, including Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Walmart,  among others, in the MDL in the Northern District of California.

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants knowingly sold baby food products contaminated with toxic heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. These metals are known to cause significant neurodevelopmental harm, including conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder which the plaintiff claims to have developed as a result of consuming the contaminated food.

The toxic baby food lawsuit details that from November 2018 to May 2021, the child was exposed to the defendants’ baby foods, which her parents were led to believe were safe. The suit highlights the companies’ alleged failure to warn consumers about the risks, despite being aware of the dangers these toxins pose, particularly to infants. It also accuses the companies of neglecting to adequately test or limit the levels of these metals in their products.

The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm caused by these products, asserting that the companies prioritized profits over the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

July 23, 2024 – New Master Complaint Defendants

Following up on the last update on June 22, the master complaint includes four newly added defendants: Hero A.G., Neptune Wellness Solutions, Nestlé Holdings, Inc., and Sun-Maid Growers of California. These new defendants are linked to previously named manufacturing entities.

July 22, 2024 – Master Baby Food Lawsuit

Last week, plaintiffs’ baby food class action lawyers filed a master complaint in the MDL. A master complaint in an MDL consolidates the claims of multiple plaintiffs with similar legal issues against common defendants into one comprehensive document. It streamlines the litigation process by centralizing factual and legal allegations in one place.

The plaintiffs allege that major baby food manufacturers (Beech-Nut, Gerber, Hain Celestial, Nurture, Plum, Sprout, and Walmart) sold baby food products contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum. The plaintiffs, children who consumed these products, claim they suffered neurodevelopmental harm, manifesting as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The plaintiffs argue that the defendants failed to warn consumers about the presence of these toxic substances, despite knowing the risks. In fact, the risks have been screamed to them on a bullhorn. Congressional investigations and independent testing revealed substantial levels of heavy metals in these baby foods. The master lawsuit identifies factors driving contamination, such as sourcing ingredients with elevated metal levels, implementing dangerously high internal limits for metals, failing to set any limits, not adhering to their own standards, and contributing to contamination through manufacturing practices.

Moreover, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants concealed the dangers, preventing them from avoiding exposure and seeking safer alternatives. The defendants’ actions were deemed reckless, placing profits over children. Specific accusations include failing to test and warn about heavy metals, deviating from manufacturing specifications, and defective product design.

The plaintiffs seek damages for severe and permanent injuries, including pain, suffering, disability, impairment, economic loss, and future medical expenses.

July 15, 2024 – New Lawsuit

A new toxic baby food lawsuit was directed filed in the MDL pursuant to the new procedure we discuss in the July 3 update below.

A child from Orlando, Florida, along with his mother, has sued Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Walmart, alleging that the defendants knowingly sold baby food products containing dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and mercury. These toxic substances are  claimed to have substantially contributed to the plaintiff developing  autism.

July 3, 2024 – Direct Filing Lawsuits in the MDL

Plaintiffs now have the option to file their case directly in this MDL to avoid delays associated with case transfers. This direct filing procedure aims to expedite the process and enhance judicial efficiency, allowing for quicker handling of cases alleging personal injuries due to exposure to toxic heavy metals from consuming certain baby food products, which purportedly led to conditions like autism spectrum disorder  or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

To directly file your case, you need to open a new case without using the existing MDL case number and pay the standard filing fee. You must complete a civil cover sheet, designating your original venue for remand after pretrial proceedings.

The court does not want baby food lawyer grouping plaintiffs together into one lawsuit because of the administrative challenges that poses.  So multi-plaintiff complaints are not allowed unless they involve plaintiffs from the same household or assert derivative claims.

Service of process for the key defendants can be streamlined via email, but other defendants will require traditional service.

June 29, 2024 – Scheduling

The parties have agreed to a schedule for filing a Master Complaint and subsequent motions.

June 20, 2024 – What Is the Issue in This Litigation?

If the MDL judge believes the science in this litigation. our toxic baby food lawyers believe the total settlement amounts for these cases will be deep in the billions.

June 15, 2024 – Discovery Protocols

The defendants filed a motion arguing that previous state court toxic baby food lawsuits involving similar parties have operated under established protective orders and ESI (electronically stored information) protocols without issue. Their lawyers began the brief with a quote from the judge that this litigation is “more mature than we often see,” which probably sounded like a more clever beginning in their heads than it did reading the brief.

But we all get their point: Why reinvent the wheel when these protocols were the result of extensive negotiations and have already cost defendants millions in compliance efforts? We also get their motive—their lawyers do not want to produce new documents, witnesses, or any other new discovery that is not out there.

The previous cases, while similar, may not encompass all the nuances and specificities of the current litigation. Many of the lawyers are different.  Tactics change.  The relevant law is the law in 50 different states. So, there is also wisdom in tailoring the protocols to address these specific needs of the parties in discovery from the ground up to ensure that all relevant issues are adequately covered.

June 11, 2024 – New Baby Food Lawsuit Filed in Indiana

A new toxic metal baby food lawsuit was filed in Indiana last week on behalf of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental issues. The lawsuit targets several manufacturers and sellers of baby food products, including Gerber Products Company, Beech-Nut Nutrition Company Inc., Walmart Inc., Nurture LLC, and Danone S.A.  The plaintiff claims, as all these lawsuits do,  that the defendants knowingly sold baby food products containing dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals—namely lead, arsenic, and mercury—which are known to be severe neurotoxins.

The plaintiff asserts that the consumption of these contaminated baby foods as an infant significantly contributed to the development of their lifelong brain injury. The specific injuries cited include debilitating brain injury in the form of autism and related sequelae, which manifest as cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and other neurological challenges. The plaintiff alleges that the Defendants failed to warn consumers about the presence of these toxic heavy metals in their products and failed to implement adequate testing and safety measures to ensure the safety of their baby foods.

May 30, 2024 – New Baby Food Lawsuit Filed

A new baby food lawsuit was filed this week that will get transferred to the new MDL in California.

A Texas plaintiff was diagnosed with autism when he was three. Beginning in 2017, the plaintiff consumed baby food products manufactured or sold by Beech-Nut and Gerber early in childhood. It is alleged that these baby food products were contaminated with significant quantities of toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and mercury, which exceeded regulatory limits.

The plaintiff claims that as a direct result of consuming these contaminated baby foods, they were exposed to these toxic metals, leading to brain injury that manifested as ASD and related conditions. The lawsuit argues that prevailing scientific evidence supports the link between exposure to these toxic metals and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. It is further alleged that if the defendants had warned the plaintiff’s caregivers about the potential for exposure to these toxic metals and the associated risk of brain injury, the plaintiff would not have consumed the baby foods.

May 22, 2024 – New Study Links Fluoride to Neurological Damage

A new study in JAMA suggests that prenatal fluoride exposure may increase the risk of children developing neurobehavioral problems, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Fluoride, a natural mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods, is often added to drinking water and toothpaste to prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth and reducing cavities.

The study suggests that children living in areas with “optimal” fluoride levels may have an increased risk of neurobehavioral issues, suggesting that in utero exposure to fluoride could be a significant factor.

So here is the question: Does this weaken plaintiffs’ arguments in baby food lawsuits if the study is correct?  It absolutely does not. We know the causes of ADHD are complicated. There can be – and there is – more than one mechanism of neurobehavioral risk. Fluoride could be on that list. Maybe.  More science would have to be conducted first.  But we know – we have long known – that consuming heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury can cause brain injuries that lead to autism and ADHD.  That is the premise behind every toxic metal baby food lawsuit, and it is impossible to refute.

May 20, 2024 – Customer Loyalty Records Could Be Important Evidence

Information from “retailer customer loyalty records” could be critical evidence that plaintiffs can use to prove what specific baby food brands and products they purchased. Customer loyalty records would include any customer purchase information system (often linked to a “rewards” or “bonus” program in which the retailer gives customers free perks) that tracks a specific customer’s buying history. Plaintiffs or prospective plaintiffs should put some effort into obtaining any of this type of information (or other purchase records) to strengthen their claims.

May 16, 2024 – First MDL Status Conference

Today is the first toxic baby food MDL  status conference.  Judge Corley will address initial pretrial proceedings, review joint statements from plaintiffs and defendants, and consider appointments for leadership roles such as plaintiffs’ lead counsel and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Discussions will also cover procedural suggestions, MDL scheduling orders, and potential early disputes. The plaintiffs will push for early bellwether trials, and defendants will try to slow our roll and look for ways to drag out the litigation.  That might be a mistake as the science seems to get stronger and stronger as time goes on for plaintiffs.

May 14, 2024 – New Legislation Proposed

New legislation has been proposed in both houses of Congress to address ongoing concerns about toxic metals in baby food. This legislation calls for federal regulators to establish and enforce science-based limits on arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury levels in baby food.  Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 on May 9. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) also presented a corresponding bill in the House of Representatives.

Should this legislation be enacted, it would significantly enhance the FDA’s authority over the regulation of baby food products. It would also impose stricter requirements on manufacturers for testing and sampling their products, ensuring safer food options for infants.

May 6, 2024 – MDL Judge Info

The MDL judge in the new toxic baby food class action lawsuit is Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley. Judge Corley earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1988 and her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991, the same year as Barack Obama (and my sister, actually).

She was a law clerk for a federal judge in Massachusetts and then joined Goodwin Procter in Boston, focusing on white-collar criminal defense and complex commercial civil litigation until 1994. Afterward, she moved to the Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP in San Francisco, where she worked until 1997.

From 1998 to 2009, she served as the permanent law clerk for Judge Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California. During this period, she also participated in the district’s Alternative Dispute Resolution mediation and early neutral evaluation panels from 2006 to 2007, an experience that could be helpful for settlement in this litigation. Then, she went on to be a partner at Kerr & Wagstaffe in San Francisco.

President Obama appointed her as United States Magistrate Judge on May 18, 2011. Getting more settlement experience, she managed the district’s Alternative Dispute Resolution program.

President Joe Biden nominated her on November 3, 2021, and she was confirmed by a Senate vote of 63–36.

May 3, 2024 – New Lawsuit in Illinois

A new baby food lawsuit was filed last week by an Illinois child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age five from consuming baby food products containing toxic heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury) manufactured and sold by the defendants. These products were consumed from around 2016 through early childhood. The plaintiff claims that the exposure to these toxic metals directly resulted in brain injuries manifesting as ASD.

The lawsuit details that the baby food products exceeded regulatory limits for heavy metal content and did not include adequate warnings about the risks associated with these toxins. If the risks had been adequately disclosed, the plaintiff asserts that the baby food would not have been consumed.

As a result of the defendants’ alleged negligence and failure to warn, the plaintiff suffered from severe and lasting injuries, including neurodevelopmental disorders and other related sequelae. The lawsuit seeks to hold the manufacturers accountable for their actions, demanding compensation for damages such as pain, suffering, medical expenses, and loss of life quality, alongside punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future.

The specific allegations focus on the defendants’ purported knowledge of the risks, their alleged failure to adequately test or redesign their products to minimize these risks, and their lack of adequate warnings to consumers about the dangers posed by the heavy metal content of their baby foods.

April 17, 2024 – New Lawsuit in Nevada

A new baby food autism lawsuit alleges that a Nevada child, identified as A.V., suffered brain injuries manifesting as Autism Spectrum Disorder and related brain injuries as a direct result of consuming baby food products contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. These products were manufactured and sold by Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, and Gerber exceeded regulatory limits for heavy metal content.

The complaint asserts that the child’s condition is due to exposure to toxic metals in baby food. A.V.’s mother filed the lawsuit for her son and herself, seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages. The lawsuit claims that had the defendants warned of the potential exposure to toxic heavy metals in their products; the plaintiff would not have used them.

This case was filed before the MDL class action. It will now be sent to California for consolidation with other baby food autism lawsuits.

April 16, 2024 – First Pretrial Order in MDL

The MDL judge issued the first pretrial order yesterday (PTO-1) to establish the initial guidelines for managing these baby food lawsuits.

April 11, 2024 – Baby Food Class Action Lawsuit

We have a baby food MDL.  Today, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation agreed to consolidate all baby food lawsuits in the North District of California under Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco.

The court ruled that “All actions share common issues of fact regarding the presence of heavy metals in defendants’ products, their knowledge of and testing for heavy metals in their products, whether the presence of these heavy metals could have caused plaintiffs’ alleged injuries, and whether defendants adequately warned of the presence of heavy metals in their products.”

More than 20 lawsuits alleging that baby food products federal court. But there are thousands more in the wings. If you have a potential claim, there are many reasons to contact a baby food lawyer sooner rather than later.

April 1, 2024 – MDL Hearing on the Class Action

The hearing to determine whether a federal class action will proceed in the toxic metal baby food lawsuits took place on Thursday. A decision on the class certification is expected later this month.

February 16, 2024 – Baby Food Class Action Opposed

A coalition of baby food producers, including Gerber Products Co., The Hain Celestial Group Inc., and Beech-Nut Nutrition Co., oppose the consolidation of lawsuits into an MDL class action. These lawsuits allege that the presence of heavy metals in their products contributes to autism spectrum disorder and other health issues.

The companies assert that the reasons for previously rejecting consolidation still stand. They emphasize that nearly all pre-suit discovery is complete, and mechanisms for evidence sharing are in place, making centralization unnecessary for efficient litigation. They highlight the limited number of federal cases, all filed by a small group of attorneys representing the plaintiffs and a unified defense counsel, arguing that attorney coordination diminishes the need for an MDL.

They also argue against the central causation claim, arguing it lacks a reliable scientific foundation. But this is not the place for that argument… and the idea that heavy metals do not cause brain injuries in children is a hard argument.

Should the JPML decide to consolidate, the manufacturers suggest the Southern District of New York as the most suitable venue due to its proximity to the defendants’ bases and capacity for handling such litigation.

February 10, 2024 – New Momentum for Baby Food Brain Injury Lawsuits

This litigation took a wrong turn when the Cantabrana case in California was dismissed. That case was intended to be the bellwether case to jumpstart this litigation toward an eventual settlement. So people were despondent when that baby food lawsuit never even made it to the courthouse steps.

But the new conventional wisdom, I think, is that Cantabrana was dismissed on facts specific to that case, and that expert who was disqualified from testifying.

January 31, 2024 – More on the New Baby Food Class Action Lawsuit

As we discussed in our last update, attorneys have proposed that multiple lawsuits filed against Gerber Products Co., Walmart Inc., and other leading baby food manufacturers should be centralized in one judicial district. This would be a “sort of” baby food class action lawsuit—more specifically, an MDL.

What distinguishes an MDL from a class action lawsuit? While both streamline the legal process for handling multiple claims, an MDL consolidates individual lawsuits that share common issues to one court for pretrial proceedings, keeping each case separate. You still have your own individual case. In contrast, a class action merges all claims into a single lawsuit, representing a group of plaintiffs as one entity.

These baby food lawsuit plaintiffs seek to consolidate claims that heavy metals in the companies’ baby food products have caused significant harm to thousands of children, leading to diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The MDL request asks to combine 10 of the 11 related lawsuits, which involve the same products and toxins (lead, arsenic, mercury), similar injuries (autism spectrum disorder and ADHD), and the same defendants (including Gerber, Nestle, Hain, Beech-Nut, Nurture, Danone, Plum, Campbell, Walmart, and Sprout).

Several potential locations for the combined case are being considered: the District of Nevada (hosting two pending actions), the Northern District of California (with three actions), the Central District of California (two actions), and the Eastern District of Louisiana, where the earliest lawsuit related to this matter, Watkins et al. v. Nurture LLC, was filed.

The motion also suggests that the Watkins case, already set for trial on August 12, 2024, should not be included in this consolidated process due to its advanced stage. Plaintiffs are desperate to get one of these cases before a jury. That is what would really kickstart this litigation.

January 23, 2024 – New Toxic Metal Baby Food Lawsuit

A new lawsuit has been filed against several major baby food manufacturers and retailers, alleging they knowingly sold baby foods containing dangerous levels of toxic heavy metals. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court, Central District of California, involves a minor plaintiff represented by his mother and Guardian ad Litem.

The lawsuit emphasizes the severe risks posed to babies and children due to exposure to toxic heavy metals. It points out that scientific research has consistently linked exposure to these substances with brain injuries, including autism and ADHD, in pediatric populations.

The complaint includes various causes of action against the defendants, including:

• Strict product liability for failure to warn
• Strict product liability for design defect
• Strict product liability for manufacturing defect
• Negligence for failure to warn
• Negligence in product design
• Negligence for manufacturing

In addition to seeking compensatory damages, the lawsuit seeks exemplary and punitive damages from the defendants. The defendants are who you would expect: Hain, Beech-Nut, Gerber, Nurture, and Walmart.

January 18, 2024 – Class Action Lawsuit Is Back

Consumers have successfully revived lawsuits against Beech-Nut Nutrition Co. for allegedly failing to disclose the presence of heavy metals in their baby food products. The Second Circuit reversed a previous case dismissal, arguing that waiting for the FDA to take regulatory action would cause unnecessary delays. Parents claim they paid too much for products containing harmful substances like lead and arsenic.

Initially, the district court had dismissed the case based on the FDA’s “Closer to Zero” plan to set limits for toxic metals in baby and young children’s foods. However, the FDA failed to follow its proposed timelines, prompting the appeals court to overturn the dismissal and return the case for reconsideration.

January 14, 2024 – New Baby Food MDL Sought

Baby food lawyers have filed a motion to transfer and consolidate pretrial proceedings in an MDL – basically a class action lawsuit – for all currently filed personal injury lawsuits related to baby food. The plaintiffs in these cases allege neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), due to exposure to heavy metals in baby food products. Several defendants, including major companies like Gerber, Hain Celestial Group, and Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, manufactured and sold these products.

The motion highlights the adverse effects of heavy metals on early childhood brain development and links them to ASD/ADHD. It references a Congressional investigation that we discuss below, which found significant levels of heavy metals in various commercial baby food products. The investigation also revealed the defendants’ failure to meet their internal safety standards and the lack of appropriate regulatory limits for heavy metals in baby foods.

Given the lawsuits’ commonalities, including the same products, toxins, injuries, and defendants, baby food lawyers argue that class action consolidation is warranted. This argument emphasizes the practical difficulties of managing these cases separately, including the potential for inconsistent rulings and duplicated discovery efforts.

The motion suggests several potential venues for the centralized proceedings, considering factors like the location of the events, the courts’ resources, and the progress of existing cases. These venues include the District of Nevada, Northern District of California, Central District of California, and Eastern District of Louisiana.

January 8, 2024 – New Hope for Toxic Baby Food Lawsuit

As you know, lawsuits have been filed across the country linking baby food to autism, but they have not been successful. As you know from the comments below, plaintiffs are 0-2 in the two baby food autism lawsuits that have been pressed forward.

But there is renewed optimism as we approach 2024. More toxic baby food lawyers are undaunted and pushing forward. Here are our requirements and the type of cases we are looking for:

• The child is six years of age or younger.
• The child was born at or after the 26th week of pregnancy.
• The child has not been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis.
• The mother was 45 or younger at the time of the child’s birth.
• No parent of the child has been diagnosed with autism.
• The parents have not engaged a lawyer for an autism case related to the acetaminophen product (APAP).
• The child’s birthplace was outside of Michigan.

Product Use:

Must have used at least one product from the following companies:

• Beech-Nut Nutrition Company
• Hain Celestial Group, Inc (Earth’s Best Organic)
• Nestle (Gerber)
• Nurture, Inc (Happy Baby, Happy Family Organics)

Associated Products:

May have used products from these manufacturers (not currently defendants):

• Sun-Maid (Plum Organics)
• Walmart (Parent’s Choice)
• Kroger
• Sprouts (Sprouts Organic Foods)

High Heavy Metal Foods:

The child consumed foods generally associated with high levels of heavy metals, specifically:

• Infant rice cereal
• Rice puff snacks
• Carrots and sweet potatoes
• Fruit juice (though products listed above are preferred)

2023 Baby Food Lawsuit Updates

November 7, 2023

A groundbreaking California law now mandates baby food manufacturers to scrutinize their products for toxic metals, going a step beyond the FDA’s current recommendations. Beginning in January, frequent tests for metals like cadmium and mercury are imperative, with complete transparency on results expected by 2025.

This legislation, fueled by concerns over ubiquitous metal contaminants in baby food, seeks to enhance product safety and consumer trust. Companies must also employ QR codes to share test findings, and non-compliance is penalized. This proactive state stance could catalyze broader federal measures and shift industry norms towards enhanced precautionary measures.

September 14, 2023

California lawmakers passed AB 899, requiring baby food manufacturers to monthly test products for toxic elements like heavy metals. By 2025, these products must have a QR code linking to the test results. The law will ban sales of non-compliant baby foods.

September 1, 2023

Plaintiffs suffered a hit in this baby food litigation when, after a Sargon hearing, a Los Angeles, California state court judge deemed inadmissible the expert opinion that a child developed autism and attention deficit disorders from consuming baby food allegedly tainted with harmful heavy metals.

A Sargon hearing refers to a specific type of evidentiary hearing in California state courts concerning the admissibility of expert witness testimony. The name derives from the case “Sargon Enterprises, Inc. v. University of Southern California,” which the California Supreme Court decided in 2012. In this case, the court clarified the trial court’s role as a gatekeeper in evaluating the admissibility of expert testimony.

In this Sargon hearing,  Superior Court of Los Angeles County Judge Lawrence Riff found that an expert’s testimony at the hearing was not scientifically valid due to flawed methodology behind his conclusions.

It is easy to prove heavy metals cause autism. The challenge for plaintiffs in these cases is proving specific causation because lead is not only in baby food. It is everywhere. This is just one judge’s opinion in one case. But is it a tough blow for plaintiffs? Absolutely.

July 14, 2023

A Texas family who believes their son’s brain damage is due to the presence of heavy metals in baby food produced by Hain Celestial Group has urged a federal appeals court to restore their suit against Hain and retailer Whole Foods. After the district court unjustly dismissed Whole Foods from the case and denied its return to Texas state court, the case proceeded against Hain Celestial, resulting in Hain’s victory midtrial due to the plaintiffs’ inability to demonstrate that the heavy metals caused the alleged damage. The family argues that they presented sufficient evidence linking the heavy metals to their son’s ailment, and thus, a jury trial should have been conducted.

June 26, 2023

In a recent investigation by Consumer Reports, it has been found that heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead continue to persist in some baby food brands, a concern first raised five years ago. Notwithstanding the calls for manufacturers to ensure healthier baby foods, major brands such as Earth’s Best Organic, Gerber and Hot Kid still exhibit variable levels of these harmful metals in their products. Such exposure can potentially impair children’s IQ and cause developmental issues. The report underscores the need for the Food and Drug Administration to instigate stricter regulations on permissible levels of toxic metals in baby foods. Foods primarily made from rice, sweet potatoes, and carrots were identified as carrying the highest risk, largely due to how they are farmed. Consumer Reports plans future tests for heavy metal contamination in baby foods and related products.

March 8, 2023

A new autism baby food lawsuit was filed in federal court in Nevada last week with five plaintiffs who allege Beech-Nut Nutrition Company Inc. (“Beech”), Gerber Products Company, Plum PBC (“Plum”), Sprout Foods Inc. (“Sprout”), Walmart Inc. (“Walmart”) caused their autism. The causes of action include strict liability, failure to warn, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, negligence per se, ordinary negligence, gross negligence, and unjust enrichment. The autism suit also brings counts specific to Nevada law for adulterated products and violating the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.

This lawsuit was not mere notice pleading. The suit reviews not only the House subcommittee report on heavy metals in baby food but also the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report and the medical literature—including faraway studies in South Korea, Egypt, and China—on the risk of toxic metals and the presence of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in baby food.

February 3, 2023

A group of two Senators and two Congressmen sent a letter this week to the Commissioner of the FDA. The letter strongly urges the FDA to take prompt action and finalize new regulations regarding the acceptable safe levels of heavy metals in baby food products. For the last two years, the food industry has been waiting for new regulations from the FDA, but very little has been issued.

January 4, 2023

Most baby food lawsuits are filed in state courts that have jurisdiction over one of the defendants. For various reasons, most baby food lawyers believe state courts likely provide a more favorable venue for victims.

The number of toxic baby food lawsuits pending in the federal courts has decreased significantly over the last 16 months. At one point, Hain Celestial had around 25 pending cases against it in federal courts. Now, however, only two of those lawsuits are still pending. The obvious question is why. We think most of these cases were consumer class actions voluntarily abandoned following an adverse ruling in New Jersey. Also, new plaintiffs may be electing to bring their case in state court – primarily in California – where there have already been favorable rulings on causation evidence.

2022 Baby Food Lawsuit Updates

December 15, 2022

This article takes offense to lawyers advertising for baby food autism lawsuits because the author believes the studies – actually just one meta-analysis – show correlation and not causation. Let’s accept her premise for a moment. The “correlation” in this one study she cites is undeniably strong.

Does the author then jump to what needs to be done to determine if it is not just correlation but causation? No. She goes back to railing against lawyers and makes the uncited and unsupportable conclusion, “Class action lawsuits are not new in the U.S., but their scientific basis has weakened over the years.”

The irony is rich. An utterly unfounded conclusion punctuates her lecture about unsubstantiated conclusions. How has the Daubert standard changed over the years, leading to a lower bar, in your opinion? Is the study you cited the only study the plaintiffs’ experts rely upon in their conclusions? What does she know that the well-credentialed epidemiologists and medical doctors who have offered opinions in this litigation do not? Does a “non-statistician” – as you concede are – have the bones in this field to be so condescending towards another view?

It is good to remember that when it comes to scientific debates like this one, people smarter and more qualified than you disagree with you regardless of which side you are on in the dispute.

December 3, 2022

Over 100 lawsuits are pending against baby food companies seeking to hold them liable for their products’ high levels of toxic heavy metals.

Beech-Nut and other defendants have recently filed motions to dismiss many of these cases. Based on the legal arguments made in these motions, the overall defense strategy in these cases is evident.

First and foremost, the defendants will aggressively argue that there is no reliable scientific evidence to show that their baby food products (even with the heavy metals) can cause autism and other conditions.

Second, the defendants will present a federal preemption defense and argue that the tort claims are preempted by the federal authorities’ ability to regulate the presence of heavy metals in baby food products.

August 30, 2022

The earliest baby food autism lawsuits were filed in March 2021, after a Congressional report about the levels of heavy metals in baby foods was released.

About 60 similar product liability lawsuits have been filed against baby food manufacturers in federal and state courts since then.

Our lawyers went back and looked at the status of many of the earliest cases. The plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed a large percentage of them.

There is a case in state court heading to trial this summer. It is hard to imagine a scenario where the manufacturers allow that case to go to trial. It is reasonable to expect they will offer a reasonable settlement amount to give them a chance to figure out how they will approach these autism baby food lawsuits.

Our attorneys have not seen any trial dates scheduled in federal court for those cases still pending. But based on normal time frames for federal court cases that could be happening soon. We could see our first autism baby food case go to trial before the end of 2023.

June 23, 2022

Our lawyers have been closely tracking incoming toxic baby food autism lawsuits as they continue to get filed in the federal court system. Over the last six months, there have been at least 14 new product liability lawsuits alleging that heavy metals in baby foods led to the development of autism or other neurologic disorders.

The most frequently named defendant in these cases has been Nurture, Inc., which makes HappyBaby Organics brand food. Nurture has been named as a defendant in seven of the new toxic baby food cases. Gerber ranks second with four cases filed against it, followed by Hain Celestial and Sprout Foods with three lawsuits each.

Discovery of Toxic Heavy Metals in Certain Baby Food Brands

In October 2019, a non-profit organization called Happy Babies Bright Futures (“HBBF”), published a report with the results of extensive testing performed on 168 different baby foods sold on the U.S. market. The HBBF report found that over 90% of the tested products were contaminated with arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. All but nine of 168 baby foods contained at least one of these metals and most contained more than one.

Specifically, the HBBF report identified “puffs and other snacks made with rice flour,” “teething biscuits and rice rusks,” “infant rice cereal,” “an apple, pear, grape, and other fruit juice,” and “carrots and sweet potatoes” manufactured by baby food companies as particularly high in toxic metals.

This report sparked concerns about heavy metals in baby food, which ultimately led to the baby food autism lawsuits.

Congressional Report Confirms Findings of Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food

On February 4, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy issued a detailed investigative report entitled Baby Foods are Tainted with Dangerous Levels of Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury (the “Congressional Report”). The Congressional Report confirmed the HBBF findings that many major baby food brands contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury.

The levels of these metals found in baby food were many times higher than the levels allowed for other products like bottled water. For example, the FDA’s maximum safe level for lead in bottled water is 5 ppb. The Congressional Report found that Beech-Nut brand baby foods tested as high as 886 ppb for lead, and Hain Celestial (Nature’s Best) brands contained 641 ppb. Other major brands, including Gerber, Campbell Plum, and Walmart, had lead levels between 25-40 ppb, which was still 5-10 times higher than the safe limit.

The most shocking finding contained in the Congressional Report, however, was that the food manufacturers were well aware that their products contained these high levels of toxic metals.

Internal testing at many manufacturers confirmed that the foods contained dangerously high levels of lead and other metals, but the products were sold anyway. Hain Celestial held a meeting with the FDA at which it acknowledged the heavy metal contamination in its baby food products.

The FDA under Trump did nothing in response to this Congressional Report. Under Biden? Nothing but baby steps. Very frustrating. For any victims, all they can do is file a baby food autism lawsuit to be heard and make a difference for their child.

What Led to the Congressional Inquiry?

In October 2019, a renowned public health organization, named “Healthy Babies Bright Futures” organization (HBBF), released a report titled “What’s in my baby’s food?” that documented a scientific study on early baby foods.

The testing conducted by HBBF found toxic heavy metals in 95% of the products tested, and one in four baby foods was found to contain all three dangerous metals, namely, arsenic, lead, and mercury.

The report further noted that even “trace amounts” of these toxic substances “can alter the developing brain and erode a child’s IQ.” Additionally, since these metals accumulate in the body over time, each meal or snack a baby eats can have a cumulative impact on the child’s health.

After the release of HBBF’s report, the House Subcommittee launched its inquiry.

Link Between Autism and Heavy Metals

Autism spectrum disorder (“autism”) is a neurologic disorder that impairs the individual’s ability to engage in normal social interactions, learning, and interpersonal communications. Autism comes in different levels of severity and a variety of related symptoms. Autism is not something that can be cured.

The exact causes of autism are not fully understood. But there are no serious experts – although defendants will look hard – disagreeing that exposure to heavy metals in early life can cause autism. The CDC and NIH have both noted that exposure to lead, in particular, can lead to neurodevelopmental effects in children, including autistic behaviors.

A 2016 consensus statement from a consortium of epidemiologists, autism experts, and medical organizations identified lead and mercury as toxic chemicals that can contribute to ASD. The study that we talked about above from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures organization found that 95% of early baby foods tested contained toxic heavy metals, with one in four containing arsenic, lead, and mercury. Other studies have found that exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic during early life is associated with the development of ASD.

These studies—spanning cohort research, prenatal studies, case-control, cross-sectional analyses, and meta-analyses—consistently reveal a strong association between heavy metal exposure and autism in children. Baby food lawyers are putting the pieces to this puzzle together over the last few years and seeing a troubling picture. The repeated findings across diverse studies worldwide, led by different researchers and measuring various outcomes, suggest a causal link that is hard to ignore:  toxic metals lurking in baby food fuel the development of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, in children.

So there is ample evidence that the consumption of toxic heavy metals in baby foods can cause autism. Too many studies—we describe a few below—released over the last decade have consistently found a positive association between exposure to toxic heavy metals (particularly during infancy and early childhood) and the development of autism.

Korean Study Linking Mercury and Autism

One of the first studies was published in 2014. This study found that environmental exposure to mercury during early infancy caused a twofold increase in the risk of developing autism. A 2017 cohort study of children in Korea found a similar link between mercury exposure and autism.

Buffalo Study Linking Arsenic and Autism

In 2019, researchers at the University of Buffalo released findings from an extensive study examining the relationship between early-life exposure to inorganic arsenic and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study analyzed a large dataset involving children’s arsenic exposure levels and evaluated the potential neurodevelopmental impacts, specifically focusing on ASD diagnosis.

The researchers found consistent evidence indicating that children exposed to higher levels of inorganic arsenic during early development faced a significantly increased risk of developing autism. Their analysis suggested that arsenic’s neurotoxic properties, particularly its potential to disrupt brain development in critical stages, could be a contributing factor to autism. The study also reinforced prior research showing that even low levels of arsenic exposure often impair cognitive and behavioral functions in young children, leading to long-term neurodevelopmental challenges.

New York Studying Linking Cadmium and Mercury to Autism

Similar results were observed in another systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 by researchers at the State University of New York. This study found a similar connection between autism and exposure to cadmium and mercury.

Lawsuits Alleging Heavy Metals in Baby Food Cause Autism

The Congressional Report about heavy metals in baby food has prompted many product liability lawsuits against baby food manufacturers by parents who allege that these products caused their children to develop autism.

The baby food autism lawsuits are based in part on findings in the Congressional Report. The report confirmed what baby food lawyers have been saying long before these autism lawsuits were being taken seriously. Baby food manufacturers were aware their food contained unsafe levels of heavy metals. Some baby food companies have ignored their internal testing procedures for detecting heavy metals in their products.

The foundation of every heavy metal food autism lawsuit is the complaint that these companies simply ignored test results finding dangerously high metal levels. Many of these companies violated their internal company standards in doing so. It is not too dramatic to say that it is putting profits over babies.

Other manufacturers, such as Hain Celestial, simply don’t bother to test their products for heavy metal contamination levels. Some companies, such as Plum Organics and Sprout Foods, Inc., refused to cooperate with the congressional investigation, so we don’t know what testing they may have done on their products. All these baby food companies either knew or should have known about the scientific research linking exposure to heavy metals in baby food causes autism.

So the core argument in every baby food autism lawsuit is that these defendants strategically positioned their baby foods in the market to maximize profits, fully aware of the potential harm to consumers. They operated under the guise that their food was safe for human consumption while knowingly concealing the real dangers posed by the toxic heavy metal contained within these products. Why would they hide this? This concealment was likely driven by a motive to maximize sales, as full disclosure of these risks would likely have diminished their profits.

Remember, this scheme was executed not just through misleading labels. It was through a calculated mix of selective and misleading research, inadequate testing, false advertising, and deliberate omissions. These tactics are detailed in many baby food lawsuits.

As a result, parents were deprived of the essential information needed to make informed decisions about purchasing these Baby Foods for their children, fully understanding the associated risks. Such reckless actions, these lawsuits allege, exhibited a blatant disregard for the rights of the plaintiffs.

Universal Agreement on Lead in Baby Food

Lead is a heavy metal that is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen. It is readily absorbed into body tissue and is hard to expel, making it harmful for a longer time.

This is not just the musing of a lawyer looking to file a baby food autism lawsuit. There is widespread agreement on the perils of children consuming lead.

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC): “No safe blood lead level has been identified.”
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): There is no known identified safe blood lead level.”
• The World Health Organization (WHO): The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are believed to be irreversible. There is no known ‘safe’ blood lead concentration…”
• The American Medical Association (AMA): “We know that there is no safe level of lead.”
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): “There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, with lasting decreases in cognition documented in children with blood levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood.”

The House Report on baby food found up to 177 times – 177 times! – more than the levels of lead deemed acceptable for adults. So why do we continue to allow lead in baby food? This recent study provides one answer. We are not getting decisions and recommendations from neutral third parties with our children’s best interests in mind. We are getting it from people in the industry who profit from not properly monitoring the lead levels in the food that we are giving our children.

• NEC baby formula lawsuits

Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity in Toddlers

Gastrointestinal Distress

One of the initial signs of heavy metal toxicity in toddlers is often gastrointestinal distress. Parents may notice symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. These discomforting signs can be early indicators that something is amiss.

Neurological Red Flags

Changes in a toddler’s behavior and neurological functioning can be alarming. Children experiencing heavy metal toxicity might become irritable, fatigued, and display difficulties sleeping. Headaches, poor concentration, and learning challenges can also emerge.

Behavioral and Developmental Shifts

Heavy metal exposure can lead to notable behavioral and developmental changes in toddlers. Increased aggression or irritability may surface, as well as developmental delays. Speech and language difficulties and impaired motor skills could also be observed.

Skin and Hair Alterations

Heavy metal toxicity can produce external symptoms that often manifest as changes in the skin and hair. These symptoms may include persistent rashes, discoloration, or unusual sensitivity of the skin, as well as changes in hair texture, such as brittleness, thinning, or unexpected hair loss. These physical indicators can be subtle, especially in children, and are often misattributed to more common childhood conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or allergies. However, the presence of these symptoms alongside other signs—such as behavioral changes, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues—could be a red flag for underlying toxic exposure.

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory symptoms, although less common, can be linked to heavy metal exposure. Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing might be signs of a deeper issue.

General Symptoms

Other general symptoms include fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, joint pain, and muscle weakness. These indicators, when observed collectively, can point toward heavy metal toxicity.

It is really important for parents to keep in mind that these same symptoms are symptoms of many other things that do not involve the risk of brain damage. Identifying heavy metal toxicity in toddlers can be challenging, as these symptoms can be easily attributed to other common childhood illnesses or conditions. So, if you have concerns, it is not hard to get a blood test to check your child’s lead levels.

Example of Baby Food Autism Lawsuit

Not long after the Congressional Report detailing the extent of heavy metal contamination in various major baby food brands was made public, a group of baby food autism lawsuits was filed across the country. These autism lawsuits asserted that the baby food companies knew that their products contained unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals and that the plaintiffs developed autism as a proximate result of consuming the metals in these foods.

One of these contaminated baby food autism lawsuits was the case of Lawrence v. Hain Celestial Group, et al., 1:21-cv-01287 (E.D. NY), which was filed in federal court in New York.

The 50-page complaint in Lawrence sets forth the full story behind the discovery of toxic levels of heavy metals in baby foods, starting with the HBBF call to action to the subsequent congressional investigation. The complaint lays out a detailed statement of the scientific causation evidence regarding the link between autism and exposure to lead, arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals during early childhood development.

In the “Plaintiff-Specific Allegations” section, the baby food causes autism lawsuit states that the baby was regularly fed Earth’s Best Organic and other baby food brands manufactured by the defendants. The complaint relies on the congressional report for its assertion that these foods were contaminated with various heavy metals and claims, based on “prevailing scientific evidence,” that consuming these metals in baby food causes autism.

The complaint sets forth seven separate product liability causes of action. The causes of action included strict liability claims for failure to warn, design defect, and manufacturing defect. The four negligence claims were based on the same three theories, plus an additional claim for negligent misrepresentation.

Hero

Sun-Maid Growers of California

Campbell Soup Company

What has to happen before a baby food lawsuit makes it to trial? The big thing is getting the trial judge to agree that the science shows there is a link between baby food and autism. There are good studies that link heavy metal and autism. But baby food autism lawyers need to show that this link extends to the metals in baby food.

In federal court cases, courts use a process called Daubert to determine if the science is strong enough to proceed to trial. In California, the process is called Sargon. Both are named after court cases that set federal and California standards for whether the science presented by the experts is sufficient. If toxic baby food lawyers get past this hurdle, that could compel baby food makers to work harder to get rid of toxic heavy metals in their products… and offer reasonable settlement amounts for the pending toxic baby food lawsuits.

In the California lawsuits, four heavy hitter experts testified for the plaintiffs:

1. Dr. Beate Ritz (epidemiologist at UCLA)
2. Dr. Hannah Gardener (Epidemiologist at the University of Miami)
3. Dr. Michael Aschner (Professor of Neuroscience at Albert Einstein)
4. Dr. Kevin Shapiro (Executive Director of Research and Therapeutic Technologies at Cortica)

It would seem difficult to suggest that these experts do not employ well-tested science to form their conclusions. We will see.

[Update: The Sargon hearing did happen. The hearing allowed both sides to present their experts and explain the scientific evidence that supports their arguments. Judge Amy D. Hogue of the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles held the Sargon hearing for this case in two parts, with the plaintiffs presenting their experts in January and February and the defendants presenting their experts in March. Judge Hogue determined that the plaintiff’s experts had used valid methodologies to arrive at their scientific conclusions that heavy metals can cause autism and other disorders in children. So the case continues in a big win for not just these plaintiffs but every family who has brought or is considering bringing a claim.]

[Update to the Update: But the experts were eventually stricken, and the case was dismissed. Plaintiff have since learned some lessons to be applied in the future.]

Baby Food Autism Settlement Amounts

If toxic baby food lawsuits alleging autism are successful, the settlement amounts in these cases could be enormous.

Settlement Amounts Are Speculative at This Point

But let’s take a step back. Estimating the settlement payouts for any personal injury claim is inherently speculative. There are so many variables, and no two cases are exactly alike in terms of the various factors that impact settlement compensation or a jury payout. This is true with any mass tort, but it is particularly true in the baby food litigation – we have not won a case yet.

Not Many Injuries Comparable to Autism

Estimating the settlement amounts for a baby food autism lawsuit is a particular challenge. The most reliable method of estimating settlement value is by looking at settlements in prior cases involving comparable injuries and other circumstances.

For a toxic baby food lawsuit, however, prior comps don’t exist. There have never been any successful tort lawsuits in which autism was the primary injury. Previous efforts to link autism to some type of negligent action have generally failed.

Birth Injury Cases Are Lens to Settlement Amounts in Baby Food Autism Lawsuits

In the absence of prior settlements or verdicts awarding compensation for autism, our baby food lawyers look at prior cases involving injuries with similarities to autism. The best comps for this are probably birth injury malpractice cases involving permanent neurologic injuries. Neurologic birth injuries are comparable to autism because they result in:

1. permanent limitations in a child’s mental functioning,
2. a lifetime of future medical care, and
3. a lifetime of future lost income from reduced earning capacity.

Birth injury cases involving permanent neurologic injuries have a very high settlement value. Birth injury cases involving cerebral palsy have the highest average settlement value of any type of personal injury malpractice. Cerebral palsy is not a good comparable injury to autism because C.P. often involves severe physical disabilities and more extensive medical care.

Successful Lawsuit Settlement Compensation Amount Predictions

The best comparable lawsuits are those involving neurologic birth injuries that result in mental but not physical impairment. Cases involving this type of permanent injury to a child have an average jury payout in the range of $1,200,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the severity level of the mental impairment.

The toxic baby food autism cases would probably have a somewhat lower settlement value because of the potential problems with establishing causation. Realistically, there is also the question of how much these companies would be able to pay without declaring bankruptcy. This is a hard variable to bake into a settlement amount estimate.

Assuming there is enough money to pay settlements and solid causation evidence linking baby food metal to autism – this was a quantum leap assumption that is less of a leap after the court’s ruling in May 2022 I talk about above – toxic baby food lawsuits alleging autism could have a settlement payouts of around $350,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the severity of the autism.

Some Baby Foods Are Safe 

The list of baby foods with heavy metals in 2024 is as long as your arm. But the narrative the baby food manufacturers want to push in these toxic baby food lawsuits is that these toxins are just in the environment, and they cannot make baby food without these toxic metals is not true. Not all baby food brands are contaminated with unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury.

There are several companies making baby foods that do not contain heavy metals above the maximum safe levels set by health authorities. These companies use higher-quality ingredients with fewer heavy metals and also perform strict product quality testing on the contamination levels of their products before they leave the production line.

Below is a list of “safe” baby foods that ensure their products do not contain high levels of toxins and heavy metals.

• Once Upon a Farm: this is a new company that makes baby foods with higher quality, organic ingredients and ensures that there are no high levels of heavy metals. The downside is that they also do not use any preservatives on their products, so everything has to be refrigerated. Once Upon a Farm says that it won the Clean Label Purity Award after independent testing of its products for over 400 distinct contaminants, encompassing heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and various toxins. (It did have a small recall for mold last year which underscores the perils of no preservatives. Still, there is a lot less to fear with mold than toxic metals that cause brain injury.)
• Yumi: Yumi has some of the strictest product quality control testing in the industry. Not only do they test their finished products, but they also test for metals in the organic ingredients before they use them. Yumi also sources its ingredients based on an analysis of soil contamination data to determine what the safest growing locations are.
• Little Spoon: this is a fresh baby food company that makes its products without preservatives and delivers them to customers directly on a subscription basis. This allows them to ensure the highest quality without heavy metals.

So it can be done. In addition to buying higher-quality baby foods that test for heavy metals, there are other ways to reduce the amount of heavy metals your child consumes in their diet. One of the best ways is to avoid giving them fruit juice. Juice, especially certain types like grape juice, often contains high trace levels of arsenic. Another tip is to avoid feeding your child rice-based products because rice absorbs metals in the soil and tends to have the highest trace amounts of heavy metals.

Get a Lawyer to Fight for You and Your Child

Our lawyers are dedicated to holding these companies accountable and obtaining justice for affected individuals and families. Contact us to learn more about your path to compensation. Call our legal team today for a free consultation at 800-553-8082 or contact our law firm online.