Target Brand Baby Food Recalled for Containing ‘Elevated Levels of Lead’

Several health departments across the U.S. are issuing a warning to residents to avoid purchasing a baby food product sold at a major retailer.

Health departments in Maryland, Kentucky and other states announced last week that about 25,600 units of Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree — which are distributed and sold nationwide at Target stores — have been recalled.

According to the health departments and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Fruselva USA of Miami issued the recall due to “elevated levels of lead” being detected in the products. 

For children, ingesting even low levels of lead can lead to health complications as they grow older, according to Mayo Clinic. Children may develop issues with brain development, which can cause “irreversible damage.” Being exposed to high levels of lead can also lead to “damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults,” per the clinic.

The FDA noted that the affected products include those with a lot number of 4169 and a lot number of 4167, which have best by dates of Dec. 9, 2025 and Dec. 7, 2025, respectively. According to ABC News, the recalled baby food was marketed for babies 6 months and older.

“Consumers and businesses should not use, sell or distribute the recalled baby food and are urged to check their inventories for the affected lot numbers and best-by dates,” the the FDA advised. 

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According to the FDA, the recall was initially issued on Wednesday, March 12, and is ongoing. It is classified as a Class II recall, which indicates “a low risk of serious health consequences.” However, the FDA warns that if consumed, “temporary or reversible effects may occur.”

Target did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the recall.

In a statement to ABC News, a Target spokesperson said: “At Target, we’re committed to providing safe, high-quality products for our guests. We require our suppliers to comply with all applicable food safety standards and federal, state, and local regulations.”

“This recall involved a limited amount of product, which we took immediate action to remove from our shelves,” the spokesperson added.

This comes months after the FDA expanded an apple juice recall over concerns of harmful arsenic levels. The department noted that 133,500 cases of apple juice sold in 27 states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, were 

A statement from Refresco’s website notes that the voluntary recall is out of “abundance of caution” because previously manufactured product from their supplier contained inorganic arsenic above the guidelines the FDA finalized last summer.

“At this time there are no reported incidents caused by these products,” they said.