The New York attorney general on Thursday announced an investigation into baby food makers, including Gerber Products Co. and Beech-Nut Nutrition Co., over high levels of inorganic arsenic in their food, months after a congressional report revealed high levels of toxins in major baby food brands.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said that she asked the companies, which also include Nurture Inc. and Hain Celestial Group Inc., to look into whether their baby rice cereal has more arsenic than the maximum allowed by state law. She is also examining whether their advertising and promotion comply with New York consumer protection laws, according to the statement from her office.
Congress released a report in February which showed that heavy metals were present at dangerous levels in baby food made by seven major manufacturers, including the ones James is investigating.
Since the report, parents have started suing major manufacturers of baby food, alleging that the companies presented themselves as healthy or trusted options while failing to mention that the baby food products contain heavy metals.
One group of consumers wants to consolidate the suits in New York federal court, it said in March, as that is where most of the related suits are pending and where the first suit over the baby food was filed.