Baby food sold at Target recalled after Oregon lead poisoning cases

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two lead poisoning cases in Oregon have prompted health officials to warn families of baby food recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Association.

The FDA announced the recalls in March for 25,000 packages of a Good & Gather vegetable puree with baby peas, zucchini, kale, and thyme. The brand is sold exclusively at Target, and no other flavor from the brand has been recalled.

The product is said to have caused elevated lead blood lead levels in two Oregon babies after they were discovered to have consumed the flavor.

According to the FDA, the recall has been terminated, but products with the best-by date of December 2025 may still be sitting in families’ homes.

The recall is listed as Class II, which means the products are unlikely to cause serious harm, but “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

Ryan Barker with the Oregon Health Association said lead can have serious effects on babies.

“While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because they’re still growing and developing,” Barker said. “Continued exposure over time can permanently damage their central nervous system, which may result in long-term health problems, such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage.”

OHA officials say it can be hard to detect lead poisoning in children, because those affected may not look or act sick. However, the following symptoms should be monitored:

• Tiredness or loss of energy.
• Hyperactivity.
• Reduced attention span.
• Irritability or crankiness.
• Poor appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Constipation.
• Aches or pains in stomach