Beech-Nut Nutrition, a popular brand of baby food, is voluntarily recalling a lot of its rice cereal because it contained levels of arsenic above federal guidelines. It will also keep for several years when properly stored. Because even the rice cereal samples (product code 193470XXXX; arsenic level 52.2 ppb) with the lowest inorganic arsenic content have at least three times the allowable limit. But the new foods and flavors come with new rules about whats safe for your baby to eat, and what isnt so youll need to understand why baby food expiration dates matter! The products recalled by Beech-Nut Nutrition Company had UPC Code# 52200034705 and 01 MAY 2022 as expiration dates, with the codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. I know of Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. . This sounds a bit weird and depends on the type of baby food you have, but it actually makes some sense. Exposure to these heavy metals can cause permanent damage to your childs brain development. Here are some ways to . Both showed high levels of, The following companies were also listed on the, The company submitted test results for raw materials only, acknowledging that it doesnt test finished products for, Nurture, Inc. (HappyBABY And Happy Family Organics), But despite knowing that their finished products had high, , Nurture continued to release them without any corrections. A group of six parents has filed a class-action lawsuit against the three major baby-food brands Beech-Nut, Hain Celestial, and Nurture. But a blender or simple food processor will also do the trick. This date is used as a general guideline. The Beech-Nut company recalled one grain rice cereal on June 8, 2022, due to high levels of inorganic arsenic. Its simply different wording. Most companies put their expiration dates in obvious places that are easy to find. (3), According to the first Congressional Report, Beech-Nut declared that all its raw materials passed internal standards. (4). Beech-Nut Breakfast Toddler Baby Food, Yogurt Banana & Mixed Berry, 3.5 oz Pouch, 12 Pack 49 2-day shipping $18.48 28.9 /oz (16 Pack) Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1, Variety Baby Food, 4 oz Jar 86 Pickup 3+ day shipping $13.88 46.3 /oz Beech-Nut Stage 1, Meats Baby Food Variety Pack, 2.5 oz Jar (12 Pack) 58 3+ day shipping $1.28 36.6 /oz Typically, youll find the expiration date at the bottom of the jar or on the lid. I Ran Out Of Baby Formula What Can I Use? The EPA sets limits on pesticides and other chemicals that can be used in food. Earth's Best 6. (8), But to date, no further Beech-Nut recalls have been announced, despite at least four other products also having high levels of arsenic. High levels of arsenic in infant rice foods have been an issue for at least a decade. Where did you find it? "Amazon offers discounts on regular shipments of baby food when you subscribe for . Jars of baby food have a longer shelf-life, at around 2 years. (4), Despite Alaskas test results, the second Congressional baby food report revealed that Beech-Nut failed to notify the public or pull all those affected products from the market. Starting at $2.96 per blend. 25 Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. The affected lot was distributed nationally through in-stores and online. Keep it up Beechnut! Thats where mine is. The company also. That's where mine is. It's expiration date isn't untill Aug 23 I'm sad and confused since my daughter loves the other flavors offered. Not the top or the underside. The finding is significant because children consuming certain baby foods are exposed to repeated, high doses of multiple heavy metals, thereby compounding the risk of ASD. So, these results for Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack Apple Kale also come from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report: (5), could greatly affect the body and brain development of, , the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), and other concerned groups call for the approval of the, to test and disclose their results to parents and regulators. If you notice any swelling or bubbling of the pouch or can, toss the food. The Food and Drug Administrationnot a courthas the primary responsibility to evaluate heavy metals in baby foods, a federal judge said, dismissing proposed class suits against Beech-Nut Nutrition Co. for the time being. Beech-Nut's roots go back to 1891, to the Mohawk Valley town of Canajoharie, New York. Nurture regularly tests both ingredients and finished products for heavy metals, unlike the other baby food manufacturers in the Congressional Report. You can also make your own baby food and store it properly. Raymond P. Lipe, along with his friend John D. Zieley and their brothers, Walter H. Lipe and David Zieley, and Bartlett Arkell, founded The Imperial Packing Co. for the production of Beech-Nut ham. (7), If implemented, this could lower the limit to 15 ppb for infant cereal and 10 ppb in other baby foods, as proposed by the Baby Food Safety Act. Numerous studies have linked toxic heavy metal exposure to behavioral impairments. Gerber used five batches of rice flour that had 98 ppb arsenic, and 67 batches that contained more than 90 ppb or arsenic. Their test results showed, declared that all its raw materials passed internal standards. Personally, I throw them out within a week just to be on the safe side. Sign up here. Don't think its weird for adults to eat baby food. The rest refused to cooperate. What happens next? (6), It will require baby food manufacturers to test and disclose their results to parents and regulators. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. (10), The FDA also proposes lead level limits for baby food: (11)(12). If your baby food has a best by date on it, it means that this is when the product is at its best. There is Beechnut baby food for babies 4 months old to 12 months old. Were supported by moms. Theme: News Way by Themeansar. Lot 21242 with UPC Code #00681131082907 with a best if used by date of NOV 30 2022. Many beauty products don't come with expiration dates . The FDA does not require manufacturers to list the expiration date on baby food, so it is important to check the products expiration date to ensure it is still safe to feed your baby. Lawmakers and parents alike are now putting pressure on the, ) to introduce stricter testing policies for companies such as, One of the main changes being pressed is to require. Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman changed its name to Wisner Baum in January 2023. Unlike some other foods, baby food should not be used after it is expired. Stage 1 Beech- Nut and Gerber food - 10 jars with various expirations from June-September 2023 Stage 2 Gerber food - 8 containers with various expiration dates from July-November of 2023 Stage 3 Gerber food - 5 Jars with various expirations from September 2023-January 2024 Asking $10.00 for everything!! Yes and no. Cons: Not a lot of potassium, baby doesn't like it Why Am I Throwing Up Yellow Stuff While Pregnant? In todays episode of The Rush, Kevin Durant looked solid in his debut with the Phoenix Suns, Jalen Carter who could be this years top pick left the NFL combine early after an arrest warrant was issued by the Athens-Clarke County Police department, and Aaron Rodgers emerged from the dark with no concrete information about his future. Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Credit: Shawn White via Storyful, The former White House adviser spoke about "truth in the media. As a result, Beech-Nut is voluntarily recalling their Single Grain Rice Cereal with UPC Code# 52200034705, which has an expiration date of 01MAY2022 and product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. Consumers should also discard the recalled product. After establishing an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in September last year, China and Belarus vowed on Wednesday that the two countries will further develop exemplary relations of the partnership in the new era. If its not in an obvious place, check by the bar code. These specific product codes were distributed nationally through retail and online. "Unopened, most baby food should have 12 to 24 months of shelf life," says Jason Jacobs, vice president of quality and technical services at Beech-Nut Baby Nutrition Company. Last August, the FDA finalized guidance for infant rice cereal, recommending it contain no more than 100 parts per billion of arsenic. Sell-By Date Refrigerated products most often have sell-by dates on the labels. While its OK to microwave beechnut baby food, be careful not to overcook it. Beech-Nut has been making baby food since 1931. Beech-Nut Nutrition today has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal. Can A Baby Eat Avocado ? (3), In September 2021, the Subcommittee submitted a follow-up report. You can check the sell-by date of beechnut baby food by reading its label. Unlike some other foods, baby food should not be used after it is expired. Best organic baby food pouches: Plum Organics Stage 1. Not too soupy (like a certain competitors stage 1 foods), and smelled fresh. affects 4-ounce glass jars of "Stage 2 Beech-Nut CLASSICS sweet potato & chicken" baby food with an expiration date of "DEC 2016." . My son can be picky with foods. It will also direct the. Two disturbing Congressional baby food safety reports were released in February and September 2021, revealing that many of the most popular brands of baby foods were selling products that were tainted with dangerously high levels of toxic heavy metals. I have quite a few Beechnut baby food jars that were passed along from a friend after their child was no longer on baby food. Plaintiffs allege Beech-Nut didn't adequately test its products for heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, didn't . If your baby does show signs of food poisoning, call your doctor for recommended care. "This recall underscores why we need strict limits to keep dangerous heavy metals out of the food that so many parents serve their young children every day.". When should you start baby food? (11)(12), (1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570911/, (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4418502/, (3) https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2021-02-04%20ECP%20Baby%20Food%20Staff%20Report.pdf, (4) https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/ECP%20Second%20Baby%20Food%20Report%209.29.21%20FINAL.pdf, (5) http://www.healthybabyfood.org/sites/healthybabyfoods.org/files/2019-10/BabyFoodReport_FULLREPORT_ENGLISH_R5b.pdf, (6) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/06/09/beech-nutbaby-food-recall-2021-rice-cereal-arsenic/7621243002/, (7) https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-shares-action-plan-reducing-exposure-toxic-elements-foods-babies-and-young-children, (8) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/beech-nut-nutrition-company-issues-voluntary-recall-one-lot-beech-nut-single-grain-rice-cereal-and, (9) https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/beech-nut-stop-selling-specific-baby-rice-cereal-78196121, (10) https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-31/after-baby-formula-scandal-fda-announces-new-unit-focused-on-food-safety, (11) https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/24/health/fda-lead-baby-food.html, (12) https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-food/fda-proposes-new-limits-for-lead-in-baby-foods-a2167994237/, Motherhood Community is reader supported. Here are some tips to keep your babys food safe. Three samples associated with the two recalled products tested by Alaska had the following inorganic arsenic levels: (4), Aside from these samples from recalled products, Alaska reported four Beech-Nut rice cereal product codes that also tested over the FDAs arsenic limits: (4), Notably, there were two different samples for 243470XXXX from the same lot. The agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service said the affected product is Stage 2 Beech-Nut Classics Sweet Potato and Chicken sold in 4-ounce glass jars. The company admitted that the, test results arent the basis for product release. . That means finding them. But the company set very high internal maximum levels, so the ingredients actually failed government regulations. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to properly list heavy metals in its baby foods. ", Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils) with a Goal vs. Colorado Avalanche, 03/01/2023. Without a doubt, this is definitely my little one's favorite food! Where is the Expiration Date on Beechnut Baby Food? Let us know what you think! If you see an expired date, discard it. Vanderbilt beat Kentucky on Senior Night, but the status of Cason Wallace will be the main concern for the Wildcats moving forward. The Congressional Report stated that these results are proof that Beech-Nut should have issued a recall on this product code, too. Formula-fed infants are ready to start solid foods when they start showing signs they're ready. Discover baby and toddler recipes, advice, tips, and more on our website. On Tuesday, Beech-Nut Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of 1,920 pounds of its sweet potato and chicken baby food after a small shard of glass was found in a jar. However, there are some exceptions. Murray said the Baby Food Safety Act, which was proposed by lawmakers in March, would address these issues. Most grains and cereals will last months after their expiration date, and the same applies to baby cereal. Parents are encouraged to contact attorneys now. Beech-Nut Naturals Sweet Corn & Green Beans Baby Food Jar - 4oz Beech-Nut 268 SNAP EBT eligible $1.19 When purchased online Beech-Nut Organics Apple Kiwi & Spinach Baby Food Jar - 4oz Beech-Nut 241 SNAP EBT eligible $1.49 When purchased online Beech-Nut Naturals Pear & Blueberry Baby Food Jar - 4oz Beech-Nut 139 SNAP EBT eligible $1.19 So, its important to learn how to read expiration dates. We are issuing this voluntary recall because we learned through routine sampling by the State of Alaska that a limited quantity of Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice Cereal products had levels of naturally-occurring inorganic arsenic above the FDA guidance level, even though the rice flour used to produce these products tested below the FDA guidance level for inorganic arsenic., The FDA announces the plan to create the Human Foods Program, which is a new food safety unit that will focus on nutrition and ensuring the safety of the US food supply. (5), Its also best to avoid using rice and rice flour because they might have high cadmium, lead, and arsenic levels. In 2011, Swedish scientists from the renowned Karolinska Institute noted that that [h]igh levels of arsenic in [infant] rice-based foods are of concern.. It announced that the, and still found dangerously high levels of, Notably, there were two different samples for 243470XXXX from the same lot. Unopened cans of formula generally last a yearand this is the one food you don't want to serve past its use by date. Furthermore, Beech-Nut is a co-founder of the nonprofit The Baby Food Council, which is an organization comprised of government agencies, industry experts, baby food companies, and consumer advocates. It should be in tiny print on the side, right where you would put your thumb if you were turning the lid. The date codes on the bottom are the month (A-L for January through December), day of the month (1-31) and last digit of the year (for example, 2 for 2012). It has nothing to do with food safety, but beyond that use by date, the nutrients in the formula will start to degrade, Chapman says. But even if the date expires during home storage, a product should be safe, wholesome and of good quality -- if handled properly and kept at 40 F or below. However, meat and egg products should be thrown out after one day. In January 2023, the FDA announced that theyre planning on putting limits on the lead content in baby food. In reality, their results are several times higher than the FDA standards. Fruits and vegetables: 2 to 3 days in the fridge or 6-8 months frozen. These are data from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report: (5), The company never responded to the Congressional Subcommittee. There is also Beechnut organic baby food in many of the same flavors if you want your baby to eat organic. When does Birch-Nut baby food expire? (4), Beech-Nut Rice Cereal (product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX; expiration date of May 1, 2022) were recalled on June 8, 2021. The FDA sets the maximum limits in ppb (parts per billion) for infant rice cereal to 100 ppb inorganic arsenic, but the Beech-Nut rice cereals have more than this limit. The following may be healthier alternatives to the unsafe products in the report: You can also prepare fresh, organic baby foods at home using appliances you already have in your kitchen. Nevermind. The expiration date and product codes can be found on the bottom of the cereal canister. If the product has been opened, it should be thrown away within a day after being opened. Pros: Delicious, I know I'm putting good things into my body, and my grandma enjoys it. Moisturizing treatments. i dont know that it is color or what but i dont think it is healthy for baby. No e-mail or appointment needed. The affected product has an expiration date of 01MAY2022 and product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. Where did you find it? In the event our product is delivered with a quality concern or past the expiration date, please provide the following details to our customer service team: 1) online order number 2) description of issue 3) images . If the baby food smells funny, (think sour milk or meat thats been left out too long,) toss the food. Generally . 1 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires a "use by" date on infant formula.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not require quality or food safety date labels for products under its purview. 1. We want to confirm that we don't use any added colors or dyes in our jars! In September 2021, the Subcommittee submitted a follow-up report. We offer support throughout your feeding journeyfrom pregnancy to lactation, formula feeding, starting solids, picky eating and beyond. The recalled Beech-Nut Stage 1 Single Grain Rice cereal has a UPC number of 52200034705, an expiration date of 01 MAY 2022, and product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. When you buy through links on our site, As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission. All Beech-Nut baby food jars are vacuum-sealed for freshness. Baby food cubes are safe to remain in the freezer from 3 to 6 months. Marcus Hammond and Cormac Ryan each scored 20 points as Notre Dame won longtime coach Mike Breys final home game with an 88-81 victory over No. Make sure the packaging is secure. It will be on the top or underside of the lid. After that date, stores are supposed to pull it from the shelves. If you have expired avocado baby food, for example, you can use it to help. Both complaints seek restitution and other legal remedies for not warning consumers about the harmful levels of heavy metals in Beech-Nut baby foods. For plastic containers of baby food, check the sides. When heating baby food, avoid using plastic containers. "No illnesses related to these product codes have been reported to date, and no other production dates or Beech-Nut products are affected by this recall," the company said. Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Beech-Nut Nutrition has issued a voluntary recall for one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal, and says it plans to exit the infant rice cereal segment. These will remain in edible condition for another 3-4 months, but they will taste different than they normally would. Beech-Nut went organic six years ago, and they make some nutritious blends that contain just mixed fruits and vegetables . The expiration date of Beechnut baby food is typically found on the side of the lid or the underside. Discover Early Finger Foods Discover Baby Food Early Finger Foods Clean, balanced finger food meals made for early bites and intro to table foods. Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman is a national law firm evaluating cases for parents with children diagnosed with autism or ADHD after regularly consuming baby foods from Beech-Nut and other manufacturers. (1)(2). Just because there is a date listed on the jar, pouch, or container of baby food doesnt necessarily mean that the food will be toxic or inedible. There might be one that states sell-by and another that says best used by, for example. We are dedicated to championing real food for a healthier world. Please don't let the cons outweigh the pros. Theyre also creating a new department to focus on food safety. ", Consumer attorney Pedram Esfandiary, who represents parents in California and across the U.S. in lawsuits against Beech-Nut and other baby food companies, also applauds the recall announcement. Else Organic Baby Food 5. I can't thank them enough! Take my advice and treat yourself. Despite the risk to infant health, the company refuses to recall these products, despite the fact that the food products contain high concentrations of lead and cadmium. Rite Aid also has a rewards program that allows you to save up points to put toward savings on future purchases. The FDA recommends a 100-parts-per-billion limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals. In a recent investigation, the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy requested internal documents and test results from baby food companies. Baby snacks usually have the same general rules that apply to baby cereal. For babies 4 months old to 6 months old, get stage 1 Beech Nut baby food. The expiration date on Beechnut baby food is found on the top or bottom of the jar lid. Unlike my other baby food jars and plastic containers, the expiration date on Beechnut baby food jars was not in an obvious place. The food has an expiration date of 01MAY2022. (3), But data from Healthy Babies Bright Futures showed the following results for Just Sweet Potato Organic, also refused to submit results or internal standards to the Subcommittee. Consumer uncertainty about the meaning of the dates that appear on the labels of packaged foods is believed to contribute to about 20 percent of food waste in the home. Sometimes, its in fine print right underneath the bar code, which can make it easy to miss. To help prevent this from happening, its best to discard any unopened beechnut food. Overview Searching for a milk formula for your little one, but unsure which one to pick? Ideally, you should discard the food within a day of opening it. Beech-Nut is not the only company in the industry with foods testing near or above the FDAs arsenic limit. If youre wondering where is the expiration date on Beechnut baby food, check the side of the lid. While shelf-life of baby food depends on the type of packaging, you should refrigerate pouches within an hour after opening and toss them after 24 hours. Our Organics carrots is a perfect way to offer your baby real, organic, non-GMO vegetables without any chopping required! you notice separation; the colors have turned brown; you see mold, expired baby cereal is perfect to blend with peanut butter and seeds. | Symptoms usually last for a day or two. In early June, Beech-Nut Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of two infant rice cereals with product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. Instead, theyve chosen to test only the ingredients in their products and not their finished products. In the recall notice posted on the Food & Drug Administration website this week, Beech-Nut also has announced it will no longer sell the rice cereal and says it has "decided to exit the market for Beech-Nut branded Single Grain Rice Cereal.". So, these results for Organic Quinoa Puffs Baby Cereal Snack Apple Kale also come from the Healthy Babies Bright Futures report: (5), Heavy metals could greatly affect the body and brain development of young children.