- Sprout Organics issued a voluntary recall of their Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches.
- The recall occurred following routine sample testing for heavy metals.
- Here’s a list of impacted products.
A popular baby food just hit the recall list, so parents, check your pantries. Sprout Organics issued a voluntary recall of Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach pouches over concerns that they may contain elevated levels of lead. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared the announcement this week.
The good news is that this particular batch of potentially problematic products is largely contained. Only a single lot has been recalled, and the items were distributed to Walgreens and independent stores in the southern United States. So if you purchased one of these pouches from a different large retailer or in another part of the country, you’re likely in the clear.
According to the FAQ on Sprout Organics’ website, they routinely send samples of their products to a qualified third-party lab to test for heavy metals (such as iron, arsenic, cobalt, lead, mercury, copper, and cadmium). Newer products include a QR code on the packaging so that consumers can directly access these unaltered test results for themselves.
Although it was this routine sample testing that alerted them to the potential lead issue, this particular batch of baby food pouches was manufactured before January 1, 2025, when Sprout Organics began printing QR codes on their packaging.
Which products are affected?
Again, this recall only applies to Sprout Organics Sweet Potato Apple and Spinach products sold at Walgreens and independent stores in the U.S. South region.
They come in 3.5 oz pouches, display a Lot Code of 4212, and have an expiration date of 10/29/2025. The company asserts that most sales of this particular product occurred between September and December 2024.
Why might elevated levels of lead be dangerous?
Lead is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time. Babies and young children are among those who are especially vulnerable to the impacts. As the recall notes, even low levels of exposure can raise blood lead levels. The effects can vary based on the amount and length of exposure, as well as the age and weight of those exposed.
Concerning symptoms in children may include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and hearing loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Prolonged exposure is more likely to affect learning, behavior, and development.
What should consumers do with affected products?
If you have one of the pouches impacted by the recall, ensure no one in your household consumes it. You can return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. Sprout Organics can also be reached for further information via phone at 510-833-6089, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or email at [email protected].
So far, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in relation to this recall.
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