Concern is growing among parents nationwide as new developments unfold in the toxic baby food lawsuits. With over 160 cases now filed and major brands like Gerber and Earth’s Best ordered to face claims in court, families are demanding answers about the presence of heavy metals in the foods they trusted. This post breaks down the latest legal updates as of June 2025, what the CDC and FDA are reporting, and what it all means for your child’s health and safety.

As parents, we do everything we can to give our children the best possible start in life. We pay attention to the labels, we make intentional choices, and we trust that the foods made for babies are safe. So when reports began circulating that popular baby food brands contained harmful levels of heavy metals, many of us felt shaken, and rightly so.

This post shares the latest updates on the toxic baby food lawsuits as of June 2025, in simple terms. Whether you’re just learning about this or have been following the headlines closely, I hope this gives you clarity, peace of mind, and steps you can take moving forward.

What is this lawsuit really about?

Over the past few years, several investigations, including a 2021 congressional report, found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in a wide range of baby food products. These heavy metals are known to impact brain development and have been associated with conditions like ADHD and autism when consumed regularly over time.

This discovery led to a wave of lawsuits filed by families who believe their children were harmed as a result. The lawsuits claim that companies failed to disclose the risks, misled parents with marketing, and put profit before safety.

Where things stand (June 2025)

Here’s a calm, clear look at the latest developments:

1. The number of lawsuits is growing.
As of June 1, there are now 167 lawsuits filed in the federal baby food multidistrict litigation (MDL). That’s a significant increase from earlier this year, showing just how many families are stepping forward as awareness grows.

2. A big legal step forward.
In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that several major baby food companies will have to face these lawsuits in court. This includes Gerber, Earth’s Best, Plum Organics, Sprout, Happy Baby (Nurture), and even Walmart’s private-label brands. The companies had hoped to get the lawsuits dismissed, but that motion was denied. This decision allows the cases to move into discovery, where internal documents and testing data will be closely reviewed.

3. Public health concerns are still very real.
The CDC recently shared that about 6.4% of children under the age of six have detectable lead in their blood. That number is not just a statistic, it’s a call to action. While the FDA has introduced voluntary limits on how much lead can be in baby food, many experts argue those limits don’t go far enough.

What does this mean for you as a parent?

First, take a breath. If your child has eaten one of these products, it doesn’t mean something bad is guaranteed to happen. But it does mean you have the right to ask questions, to speak to your pediatrician, and to be informed about what’s happening.

Here are some simple next steps:

• Check the brands you use. If any of the companies listed are part of your baby’s diet, consider looking into their latest testing and safety efforts.

• Talk to your pediatrician. If you’re concerned about exposure, they may recommend blood testing or developmental screenings, especially for young toddlers.

• Learn more about what you can make at home. Homemade purees and whole foods can give you more peace of mind—and they’re often more affordable and nourishing, too.

• Stay updated. These lawsuits are still in progress. Knowing where things stand helps you make choices that align with your family values.

Final thoughts from one parent to another

There’s something deeply unsettling about realizing the foods marketed for our babies may not have been safe. I understand that feeling. It’s why I write posts like this, not to stir fear, but to give you a grounded place to land.

At The Whole Parent, we believe that when we’re equipped with truth, we can act from a place of calm strength. We can make changes. We can speak up. And most importantly, we can keep showing up for our children with wisdom and grace.

If you’d like to continue getting updates like this one or want guidance on gentle parenting, whole family wellness, and early learning, I invite you to subscribe to our newsletter or explore our resource library.

You’re doing an amazing job. Let’s keep growing together.