Publix recalls baby food pouches over suspected lead presence

Publix Super Markets has issued a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food due to the potential presence of elevated lead levels, the company announced last week.The product, manufactured by Bowman Andros LLC and distributed exclusively to Publix stores, was sold in 4-ounce plastic pouches and is labeled with a “best if used by” date of November 1, 2025.It carries the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) 41415-00901.The recall impacts stores across Publix’s eight-state footprint, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.According to the company, the recall, which is being conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, was triggered by routine sampling.“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,” Maria Brous, Publix’s director of communications, said in a statement.“To date, there have been no reported cases of illness.”Publix is urging customers who purchased the affected baby food to return it to their local store for a full refund.Those seeking more information can contact Publix’s customer care line toll-free at 1-800-242-1227 or visit the company’s website at publix.com.Lead exposure can be particularly harmful to infants and young children, with potential health risks including developmental delays and behavioral issues.The FDA has tightened oversight in recent years on heavy metal content in baby food, prompting heightened industry testing and voluntary recalls like this one.Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the United States, operates 1,404 stores and employs more than 260,000 associates.The grocery chain has built a reputation for food safety, quality and customer service and has been named to Fortune’s list of best places to work for 28 consecutive years.This latest recall follows a series of heightened concerns nationwide about contaminants in baby...