Publix Recalls Baby Food Pouches Over Elevated Lead Levels Concerns

This incident marks the second major baby food pouch recall in recent months due to concerns over elevated lead levels.

Published: 5/23/2025, 11:34:38 PM EDT

Publix Recalls Baby Food Pouches Over Elevated Lead Levels Concerns — A Publix grocery store is seen in Neptune Beach, Fla., , Aug. 9, 2023. (Mark Long/AP Photo)

Publix Super Markets has issued a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, and Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches, which the company said may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the Publix recall notice on Thursday as a public service, following the company’s May 9 announcement.

The recall affects 4-ounce pouches sold across Publix’s eight-state operating area, which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.

The baby food, produced by Bowman Andros LLC at a facility in Mount Jackson, Virginia, was distributed to more than 1,400 Publix stores.

The specific product under recall is the GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food in 4-ounce plastic pouches, with a “best if used by” date of Nov. 1, 2025.

Publix has removed all potentially affected pouches from store shelves. Shoppers who purchased the recalled product may return it to their local Publix for a full refund, according to the company.

Routine Sampling

The contamination was discovered during routine sampling by North Carolina officials, who found lead levels at 13.4 parts per billion in the product—exceeding the FDA’s recommended limit of 10 parts per billion for foods intended for babies and young children.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled baby food, according to Publix.

“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of communications.

Publix customers with questions about the recall can contact the company’s customer care department at 1-800-242-1227 or visit the company’s website. Consumers are urged to check their pantries for the affected product and return any recalled pouches for a full refund.

Toxic at Any Level

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that poses serious health risks, especially to children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Even low levels can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, and lead to lasting cognitive and behavioral problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics also warns that heavy metals can enter food products through soil, air, water, or industrial processes.

The Publix incident marks the second major baby food pouch recall in recent months due to elevated lead levels.

In March, Target recalled more than 25,000 packages of its Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree after similar findings, according to a recent FDA recall notice. That product, manufactured by Fruselva USA, was distributed nationwide and also packaged in 4-ounce containers.

The issue of lead contamination in baby food was also found in a 2023 outbreak linked to WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, which sickened more than 500 children across 44 states.

North Carolina officials were the first to identify the outbreak, which was later traced to products sold in Dollar Tree and other retailers. Testing revealed those pouches contained lead at levels 2,000 times higher than the FDA’s recommended maximum, as well as chromium.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.