Target Recalls Over 25,000 Units of Baby Food Due to Lead Contamination

Target has recalled 25,600 units of its Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree after discovering elevated levels of lead, according to the FDA.

NTD Newsroom

Published: 4/16/2025, 11:45:59 PM EDT

Target Recalls Over 25,000 Units of Baby Food Due to Lead Contamination — A Target department store in North Miami Beach, Fla., on May 17, 2023. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Target has voluntarily recalled about 25,600 units of its Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree after discovering elevated levels of lead in the baby food, according to a recent FDA recall notice. The recall affects a limited batch of the product, which was distributed nationwide through Target stores and online.

The recall was initiated on March 12 by the manufacturer, Fruselva USA, based in Miami, Florida. According to the recall, the baby food is packaged in 4-ounce containers and intended for children aged six months and older.

The product’s UPC code is 1 91907-99314 1, and the lot numbers involved are 4169, with a "Best by" date of Dec. 9, 2025, and 4167, with a "Best by" date of Dec. 7, 2025. The product was made in Colombia and distributed across the country.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class II recall, which means that the use or exposure to the contaminated product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues.

On Jan. 6, the FDA established new upper limits for lead content in baby foods, including jarred fruits and vegetables, yogurts, and dry cereals, as part of its initiative to reduce young children’s exposure to the toxic metal, which is known to contribute to developmental and neurological issues, according to the agency.

The FDA released final guidance estimating that these new standards could lower lead exposure from processed baby foods by roughly 20 to 30 percent. While the guidelines are not mandatory for food manufacturers, they do give the FDA the authority to take enforcement measures if products are found to exceed the recommended levels.

This action is part of the FDA’s ongoing work to “reduce dietary exposure to contaminants, including lead, in foods to as low as possible over time, while maintaining access to nutritious foods,” the agency said in a statement.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no safe level of lead in children’s blood. Even low levels can cause lasting cognitive impairments, behavioral problems, and other developmental issues. Lead exposure can occur through various means, including household dust, contaminated soil, water from lead pipes, and imported toys or ceramics, the academy said in a January update on its website.

The CDC recommends evaluation and intervention for blood lead levels as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter, according to the academy.

Target said in a statement to media outlets that it is committed to food product safety, and the recall involves a limited amount of the baby food.

“At Target, we’re committed to providing safe, high-quality products for our guests. We require our suppliers to comply with all applicable food safety standards and federal, state, and local regulations … This recall involved a limited amount of product, which we took immediate action to remove from our shelves,” the company said.

A Target spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment made by NTD.

The latest recall follows a series of recent product safety issues in the United States, including recalls of blender bottles and steam espresso machines over safety concerns. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported an increase in recalls and safety warnings, many linked to imported products from China, which often evade U.S. safety standards.

In 2024, the number of injuries related to recalled products surged, with 869 injuries and 15 deaths, as reported by The Epoch Times, sister media of NTD.