In 2021 a congressional report found that “commercial baby foods are tainted with significant levels of toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.” We wish we were suprised, but we’re not. In fact, we’ve been concerned about high levels of heavy metals in popular, store-bought baby food brands since our launch in 2017. It’s one of the reasons we started this company.
Research shows that during the first 1,000 days, babies’ vulnerable bodies and brains are far more sensitive to harmful metals and chemicals.
Since our launch in 2017, we have proactively worked hard to set a new bar for the industry. At present, YUMI is the first and only baby food company to sign the Baby Food Safety Act. We believe in setting standards today—not tomorrow—for heavy metals in baby food.
We’re meticulous about what we give your baby and what we don’t. As the recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award, you can feel great knowing that Yumi blends are tested for over 400 environmental and industrial toxins.
We partner with trusted farms that are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and follow rigorous food safety testing. We also look at federal data on soil contamination to find the best farms.
No Soy
Soy-based infant formulas have, on average, 7x more Cadmium than other formulas.
No Rice
Rice cereals are common first foods, but rice is incredibly effective at pulling arsenic from the soil. As a result, rice contains inorganic arsenic.
No Fruit Juice
A 2012 study found that nearly 10% of 88 apple and grape juices sampled had worrisome levels of arsenic, which is why you’ll never see fruit juice in our baby food product.
We make our meals in small batches and use light processing, to keep your food tasting like, well, real food.
Most baby food companies only test ingredients, not final products.
We regularly test our ingredients as well as finished products for heavy metals.
Our meals are not fortified and do not include artificial additives. The 2021 government report noted that certain additives, such as poorly vetted vitamin mixes, can lead to high heavy metals in baby food products.
We are a proud recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award.
The Clean Label Project is an independent, third-party expert that tests products for over 400 environmental toxins, including heavy metals.
Just because a product is organic, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good for you or even free of heavy metals. Many heavy metals still make their way to plants even in organic soil. That’s because contaminated water run-off, not pesticides, are the common cause of metal in soil.
Contaminants, on the other hand, are caused by contaminated cooking water, metals used in the food processing equipment, over-processing and overheating certain foods.
Heavy metals occur naturally in soil—in fact, the USDA measures soil for mineral levels yearly. However, things go awry when food comes into contact with water run-off or soil contaminated through farming or industrial manufacturing practices.
Lead
Arsenic
Cadmium
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Studies show that exposure to lead, can cause learning and behavioral problems. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it can cause lasting problems with growth and development including lower IQ, Autism, ADHD, hearing problems, and Anemia.
Heavy metals occur naturally in soil—in fact, the USDA measures soil for mineral levels yearly. However, things go awry when food comes into contact with water run-off or soil contaminated through farming or industrial manufacturing practices.
Lead
Arsenic
Cadmium
* undefined
We nerd out so you don’t have to. Our research is backed by 1000’s of clinical studies. Below are a few of standouts.