Lead found in common kid's foods & juices

It seems unthinkable that even in this day and age, studies are still finding lead in our kids things. This time is in some of the most unlikely places - the juices and foods that we serve our kids. See the below article and links for all the details, do you serve any of these at your house? Will you continue to do so?

Courtesy of Cafe Mom

Get ready to clean out your refrigerator ... a new report from the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) shows an outrageous number of children's snacks and juices -- even organic ones -- contain high levels of lead.

Of the 146 items they tested -- including those from brands like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's -- 125 contained "high" levels of lead. Tests were performed on a variety of products specifically marketed to children such as bottled baby food and juices and canned fruits.

So incredibly frightening! It's absolutely outrageous to me that in this day, in this country, this is allowed to happen. I'm so sick of recalls on things we buy for our children (from cribs to clothing), trusting that they will be safe, only to find out that they could be deadly.

So what now?

The ELF has sent warnings to the companies producing the contaminated products. They either have to find a way to remove the lead or place a warning on their products.

Although I question why if there's enough warrant for a warning, the products would even be allowed on the market, I am at least grateful to have this information now. We don't buy juice in our house, never have, thankfully, but some of the organic fruit products are definitely sitting on my shelves ... or were.

Lead exposure can result in a number of serious health consequences for children.

"Exposure to lead can have a wide range of effects on a child's development and behavior," states the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. "Even when exposed to small amounts of lead levels, children may appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable. Children with greater lead levels may also have problems with learning and reading, delayed growth and hearing loss. At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and even death."

For the entire list, click here