The Texas attorney general says he is launching an investigation into two baby food manufacturers. Ken Paxton's office says Gerber and Plum Organics may have "violated the law by deceptively advertising and selling products that contain dangerous levels of heavy metals."
Paxton's office says arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury can cause brain damage in children, but "despite this known risk, many US baby food manufacturers have set their internal standards for toxic heavy metal content at unreasonably dangerous levels and then made misrepresentations about the health benefits of their products."
Paxton says he is issuing civil investigative demands to the two companies. The demands require the companies to provide information that may be relevant to investigators.
Wednesday morning, Gerber responded saying the company was cooperating with Paxton's office. The company says it has "stringent standards" for safety and nutrition.
Gerber says it tests for more than 500 toxins and works with FDA regulators.
"For more than 95 years, feeding babies has been the heart of our business. During that time, Gerber baby food has been an important source of nutrition for millions of babies, including our own. As the leading baby food maker in the United States, we promise to provide nutritious and safe food for your baby," the company wrote in a statement.
Plum Organics says it is also reviewing the demand and is "committed to cooperating with the requests.
"All Plum Organics certified organic baby food products are safe and nutritious for babies and toddlers. Each batch of our pouches is tested to meet rigorous standards and is compliant with leading regulations and guidance, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s newest guidance under its “Closer to Zero” initiative, finalized in January 2025. We remain confident in the quality and safety of our products and stand firmly behind them," Plum Organics wrote in a statement Wednesday.