Consumer Reports released findings that some veggie puffs made by Lesser Evil and Serenity Kids contain concerning levels of lead, a heavy metal that can have negative effects on children’s development. These puffs are marketed as a healthy alternative to sugary snacks and aim to make vegetables like beets, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes appealing to kids. The advocacy group cautioned parents about excessive lead levels in certain cassava-based brands, such as Lesser Evil’s Lil’ Puffs Intergalactic Voyager Veggie Blend puffs, which had more lead per serving than any of the 80 baby foods tested by the watchdog since 2017. The organization advises limiting consumption of the puff products with high lead levels to half a serving a day for some and 1.5 servings for others.
Puffs and other snacks made with rice can also be high in arsenic, prompting some manufacturers to use other starches such as cassava or sorghum as alternatives. Consumer Reports found very low levels of lead in sorghum-based products from Once Upon a Farm, tested to have some of the lowest lead levels of all the baby foods assessed. The organization emphasized the importance of manufacturers keeping heavy metals, particularly lead, out of snack foods. Lead exposure can raise the risk of developmental issues like lower IQ, ADHD, and autism over time. Children may already be exposed to lead in their environment, so it’s essential to minimize foods with higher lead levels in their diet.
Lesser Evil and Serenity Kids defended their products, with Lesser Evil stating that all their products follow regulatory requirements and meet safety standards. The company attributes the presence of lead to environmental pollution over the years. Serenity Kids also assured the safety of their puffs, stating that their products test below the Maximum Allowable Dose Levels established by California Proposition 65. Once Upon a Farm acknowledged that heavy metals are naturally occurring and difficult to entirely avoid, but they work to minimize them in their products through ingredient selection and testing. The company selected sorghum for their puffs as it is less likely to contain heavy metals compared to rice or cassava.
The results of the findings come after Consumer Reports previously found troublesome levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables, another popular food product for kids. The classification of foods should consider the nutritional value of the whole product, according to Kraft Heinz, who defended the Lunchables brand against the lead and sodium concerns. A government report in 2021 highlighted significant levels of substances like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in baby foods from major manufacturers, leading to the FDA proposing limits on arsenic, lead, and mercury levels in baby food. The findings emphasize the need for manufacturers to actively work on reducing heavy metal levels in food products, especially those designed for children.
