- Date Issued: May 9, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on May 22, 2025
- Company Involved: Publix Super Markets, Inc.
- Product Name: GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouches
- Reason: Potential contamination with elevated levels of lead
- Product Details: 4 oz pouches, UPC 41415 – 00901, Best by 11/01/2025
- Consumer Action: Stop using the product immediately and return it to your local Publix for a refund
Keep reading to find out how this happened, what the risks are, and what it means for brands and manufacturers.
What Happened?
On May 9, 2025, Publix issued a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouches after routine FDA sampling flagged elevated levels of lead in the product. Produced by Bowman Andros LLC, the baby food was pulled from store shelves across Publix’s eight-state footprint.
No illnesses have been reported—yet. But due to the severity of lead exposure, the company acted fast to get ahead of any potential health issues.
Here are the product specifics at a glance:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC (GTIN) | Best By Date | Issue |
GreenWise | Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouches | 4 oz | 41415 – 00901 | 11/01/2025 | Elevated levels of lead |
Distributed across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, the product has now been removed from store shelves. Customers who purchased the pouches are encouraged to return them for a full refund.
What Caused the Issue?
Let’s break it down. The concern here is lead contamination—something no parent wants in their pantry, especially not in baby food.
This specific recall stemmed from routine testing, not a reported illness or consumer complaint. That’s the good news. The bad news? Even small amounts of lead can be dangerous for babies.
Why Lead Is So Dangerous
Lead is a toxic heavy metal. It can sneak into the food supply through:
- Contaminated soil where fruits and vegetables are grown
- Water used during irrigation or processing
- Poor handling and packaging practices
Once ingested, lead builds up in the body and can cause long-term health problems. Babies and toddlers are particularly at risk because their bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains are still developing.
At-Risk Customers
- Infants and children under 6
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with nutrient deficiencies (like iron or calcium), which can increase lead absorption
Symptoms of Lead Exposure in Children
- Developmental delays
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability or fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Vomiting or constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Even if your child seems fine, exposure to elevated lead levels over time can lead to cognitive and behavioral issues that may not show up until later.
10 common questions you might have
1. Is this recall only for one specific baby food flavor?
Yes. Only the GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouches (4 oz) with UPC 41415 – 00901 (best by date of 11/01/2025.)
2. How do I know if I have the recalled product?
Check the pouch for the UPC and best by date. If it matches the details above, stop using it immediately.
3. Can I still return the product if I don’t have a receipt?
Yes. Publix is offering a full refund with or without a receipt.
4. What should I do if my baby already ate it?
Don’t panic. If your baby has shown no symptoms, they’re likely okay. But contact your pediatrician to discuss if your child needs testing.
5. Is lead in food common?
Unfortunately, low levels of lead can be found in some produce due to environmental contamination. However, strict regulations are in place to keep these levels low.
6. Can I test the product at home?
No, lead testing requires lab-grade equipment. It’s best to discard the product and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
7. Is Publix the only store affected?
Yes. This particular product was sold exclusively at Publix stores.
8. Was the contamination found in just one pouch or multiple?
The FDA hasn’t released that level of detail, but the recall covers the entire product lot to ensure safety.
9. Has this brand had other recalls recently?
Not from Publix directly, but the manufacturer, Bowman Andros LLC, has been linked to fruit-based product recalls in the past.
10. How can I make sure baby food is safe in the future?
Stick to trusted brands, check for third-party safety testing, and keep up with FDA food recall alerts.
Here’s What You Should Do
- Check your pantry for the product: 4 oz GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food with UPC 41415 – 00901
- Look for the best by date: 11/01/2025
- Return it to your local Publix for a full refund
- Questions? Contact Publix Customer Care at 1-800-242-1227 or visit Publix.com
Behind the Brand
Publix is a major player in the grocery game. Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, it’s the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., with more than 1,400 stores and 260,000 associates across eight states. For nearly three decades, it’s been ranked as one of Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For, thanks to its customer-first mentality and strong corporate values.
The GreenWise brand, Publix’s in-house organic and natural product line, has grown rapidly in recent years—especially in baby and family-focused categories. So, a recall like this is a big deal, not only for safety but also for brand trust.
This isn’t the first time the industry has seen lead-related recalls in fruit-based baby products:
- On April 16, 2025, Advance Food International Inc. recalled its Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil for—you guessed it—elevated lead levels. The recall remains ongoing.
- On March 12, 2025, FRUSELVA USA initiated a recall of 25,600 units of Good & Gather Baby Vegetable Puree, sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide. Why the panic? The routine FDA sampling flagged elevated levels of lead in the product.
- On January 28, 2025, Trong Food International, based in Santa Ana, California, initiated a recall of all lots of its Madras Curry Powder due to elevated lead levels.
- On March 10, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of four dietary supplement products from New York Wholesale Group under the Zaarah Herbals brand due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
- On January 27, 2025, the New York Wholesale Group issued a recall after tests by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder.
- On February 19, 2024, W.W. Industrial Group, Inc. recalled Parashore Pear Slices in Juice due to elevated lead and cadmium levels.
“When it comes to baby food—where even tiny missteps can have major consequences—quality control isn’t just a box to check. It’s the foundation of trust. From choosing safe, tested ingredients to closely vetting suppliers and double-checking packaging, every step matters. Skipping one can lead to a recall and shake consumer confidence. In categories this sensitive, there’s no room for shortcuts—oversight is everything.” explains Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This isn’t just a one-off blip—it highlights a growing concern in the baby food industry: ingredient traceability and contaminant control. For brands working with co-manufacturers or private label partners, these recalls can damage trust and reputation.
That’s why food safety programs must go beyond the basics. Brands need to:
- Vet suppliers thoroughly
- Test raw materials regularly
- Use transparent food traceability systems
- Be ready with a clear recall communication plan
And if you’re in the business of building baby food or any other sensitive category, the right ingredient partner makes all the difference.
Want safer, high-quality ingredients you can trust? Get in touch with our team at Source86. We’re here to help you build better food from the ground up—without the surprises.
