Clearwater, FL — Target Recalls Baby Food Over Lead Contamination: What Florida Parents Should Know

Clearwater, FL (April 16, 2025) – More than 25,000 units of baby food sold at Target stores have been recalled nationwide, and families across Florida may be affected. The recall involves Good & Gather brand baby pea, zucchini, kale, and thyme vegetable purée. Tests revealed elevated levels of lead in the product, which could cause serious illness in infants and toddlers. 

At Light & Wyatt Law Group in Clearwater, we are committed to helping Florida families when everyday products turn dangerous. We understand the fear and frustration that comes with learning a trusted baby food may have put your child’s health at risk. If your family has been affected by the recent recall, our team can help you explore your legal options and pursue compensation from the companies responsible. Call 727-499-9900 to discuss your rights.

Recalled Baby Food Details

According to the product recall alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the affected products include four-ounce pouches of the baby pea, zucchini, kale, and thyme vegetable purée with the best by date of December 9, 2025. While no illnesses have been reported to date, the FDA advises consumers do not use, sell or distribute the recalled baby food.

Health Implications of Lead Exposure in Children

Lead exposure is dangerous for anyone, but it’s especially harmful to babies and toddlers. Their brains and bodies are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to damage from toxic metals like lead. 

Even small amounts can affect a child’s development. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.

Short-Term Effects of Lead Exposure

The short-term signs of lead exposure in infants and young children can be difficult to spot. They may include:

• Irritability or unusual behavior
• Fatigue or sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Pale skin due to anemia

Parents may not always immediately connect these symptoms to lead exposure, especially if the only source is something like store-bought baby food. As such, medical testing is often needed to confirm exposure. The results of such tests may be useful down the road if families choose to pursue dangerous or defective product cases.

Long-Term Effects of Lead on Childhood Development

The long-term effects of lead exposure are where the real damage can occur. Lead builds up in the body over time, and its effects can last well into adulthood. Long-term exposure in children has been linked to:

• Developmental delays
• Learning disabilities
• Lower IQ
• Speech or language problems
• Behavioral problems, including ADHD
• Delayed puberty or slowed growth

These, and other issues resulting from lead exposure, can require ongoing therapy, educational support, and specialized care, which can put a major emotional and financial strain on families.

The Financial Impact of Lead Poisoning

When a child is exposed to lead, the costs often do not stop at the doctor’s office. Families may be faced with expenses such as ongoing medical care and blood tests, neurodevelopmental evaluations, special education services, therapy and behavioral interventions, missed work and lost income for parents, and transportation costs for appointments.

If the exposure came from a contaminated consumer product, like the recalled Good & Gather baby food, Florida law may allow families to seek compensation from the manufacturer or retailer to help cover these costs.

Legal Rights for Florida Families

Under Florida law, manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for selling defective or contaminated products. If your child consumed the recalled baby food and experienced health issues, you may have grounds to file a product liability claim. 

A successful claim can help cover your damages that include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities.

What Should Parents Do?

If you purchased the recalled Good & Gather baby food from a Target in Florida, stop using it right away. Check the packaging to confirm the UPC code and lot numbers match those identified in the recall. If they do, set the product aside and return it to Target for a refund. 

Seek Medical Attention

If your child has already consumed the product, it’s important to consult your pediatrician, even if they aren’t showing symptoms. A simple blood test can check for elevated lead levels.

Document the Experience

You should also document everything, including when and where you bought the product, how much was consumed, any symptoms your child experienced, and what medical care they received. Keep the packaging if you still have it, as it will provide essential evidence should you decide to consult with a Clearwater personal injury lawyer about the contamination warning and any resulting effects your child experiences.

Consult with a Product Liability Lawyer in Florida

If your child has been affected, it may be worth exploring your rights. A Florida personal injury lawyer experienced with recalls and contaminated food product cases can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may be able to recover compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and other related damages.

In the event your child experienced symptoms after consuming the recalled Good & Gather vegetable purée, or any other contaminated baby food, you may be entitled to compensation. Companies that manufacture and sell children’s products have a responsibility to keep them safe. When they fail, they can be held accountable for the harm they cause.

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we represent families across Florida in product liability cases, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake when a child’s health is on the line, and we’re here to help you move forward. Contact our law group today to schedule a free consultation. 727-388-2005.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association