November 22, 2024 – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Heavy Metals in Food
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known for his controversial views on public health, but one area where he has broad agreement is his concern about heavy metals in food. If he becomes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), his position will indirectly support people suing food companies over these issues.
This support is especially important under a Republican administration, as Republicans have traditionally backed big food companies and been against stricter environmental regulations. If that support weakens, it could make it harder for baby food companies to defend themselves in these lawsuits, giving more strength to the people taking legal action.
November 7, 2024 – January Trial Date
The focus of the baby food lawsuits right now is a trial set for January 21, 2025, in California state court. This trial will be the first baby food heavy metals case to go to a jury, ahead of the larger MDL (multidistrict litigation). We are hopeful about the outcome, as it will give us a chance to see how a jury responds to claims that toxic metals in baby food are causing brain injuries in children.
The case will center on whether companies like Gerber and Beech-Nut knew about the heavy metals in their products and failed to properly warn consumers about the risks.
September 11, 2024 – Baby Food Lawsuit Will Stay in Texas State Court
The 5th circuit court has denied a request from Whole Foods and Hain Celestial Group for a rehearing on a decision that keeps a baby food lawsuit in Texas state court. The lawsuit claims that Hain Celestial’s baby food, sold at Whole Foods, caused a toddler’s mental and physical decline due to toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Originally filed in state court, the case was moved to federal court, where the defendants won on summary judgment. However, the 5th Circuit ruled that the case should have stayed in state court. The plaintiffs had clarified their claims, including breach-of-warranties and negligence, after the case was moved to federal court, and the court agreed that these claims were enough to keep the case in state court.