Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
Most parents and caregivers have come across the headlines regarding the concerning amounts of heavy metals in toddler juices and infant cereals, pouches, and puffs. Unlike typical Maine food poisoning lawsuits, claims surrounding tainted infant foods may pose more challenges. Families who believe that their child suffered injuries from consuming tainted infant food should contact an attorney to discuss their rights and remedies.
According to a recent New York Times article, the alarming reports from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform follow a review of internal documents from seven of the largest baby food manufacturers in the country. The request came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) found that heavy metals present in baby foods are dangerous to infants and childrens’ cognitive development. Although many of the companies complied with the request, several declined to participate. The companies’ refusal presents further concerns that these manufacturers may be concealing dangers.
It is important that parents understand that heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury occur naturally in soil and through agricultural practices and manufacturing. However, many of the baby foods included in the study contained unsafe levels. Those who suffer heavy metal poisoning may experience diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, breathing issues, chills, and weaknesses in some situations.
To prevent prolonged exposure to heavy metals and potential poisoning, the House Subcommittee outlined several manufacturers’ recommendations. The recommendations included mandatory testing, transparent labeling, and phasing out unsafe additives. Further, the Subcommittee urged the FDA to modify their threshold for heavy metals in foods. Finally, they encouraged parents to read food labels and avoid foods that contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.
Following the report, several class actions were filed against three leading baby food companies. Although the cases are in the primary stages, the claims allege that the products were unsafe for infants and children. There are many practical concerns with tainted and poisonous food lawsuits. Food poisoning victims often have difficulty pinpointing precisely what caused their illness, which can pose challenges with establishing liability. However, it is important that food poisoning victims report their symptoms and illness to the FDA.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of a Defective Product or Tainted Food?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries because of a defective product or food product, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our law firm understand the devastating emotional, physical, and psychological toll that these cases can have on a person and their loved ones. Cases involving children can be particularly harrowing, and we work to ensure that these vulnerable individuals and their families obtain compensation for their damages. We handle Maine product liability, motor vehicle, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death claims. Through our dedicated representation, we have recovered significant amounts of compensation for our clients. Compensation in these cases often includes payments for medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Contact our office at 1-800-804-2004, to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our law firm.