SunButter FDA Complaint
Lead Safe Mama, LLC (a community-collaborative small business for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety) and the greater Lead Safe Mama community sent SunButter’s Organic Sunflower Seed Butter product to a lab for testing in October 2024.
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Lead Safe Mama, LLC tests consumer goods, foods, and supplements for Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic as a primary program of our organization.
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We found an unsafe level of Cadmium in the organic SunButter product — a level that is extremely concerning given the fact this is a very popular product for families (and schools) to use for young children in school lunches (when a peanut-free lunch is required).
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Our lab testing of this product found it to test positive for 953 parts per billion Cadmium (a known Carcinogen).
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While we understand there are not currently any enforceable regulatory limits for Cadmium in foods intended for consumption by children, the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 proposed an Action Level of 5 parts per billion Cadmium for food intended for young children’s consumption.
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By any measure, 953 ppb Cadmium is an unsafe amount of Cadmium to have in a food intended for consumption primarily by children.
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This finding is especially concerning in light of the recently published studies showing an increase in 17 cancers in Generation X and younger.
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Staple foods should not be allowed to test positive for this level of Cadmium.
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Aside from chocolate products and seaweed products tested to date by Lead Safe Mama, LLC, this organic SunButter product is one of the most alarming test results we have found in our work and we sincerely hope the FDA is able to initiate a recall for this product.
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Thank you for your help in this matter.
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The lab report for the testing we completed can be found at the bottom of this link:
https://tamararubin.com/2024/10/organic-sunbutter/
These results are horrible! All of us need to write our congressional representatives about the need to pass the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, introduced by Senators Klobuchar and Duckworth. Thank you, Tamara, for all the work you do to protect all of us, especially babies and children.
Hi Kathy, Great idea! Please see my email template below.
Here’s an email template so we can write to our congressional representatives about the need to pass the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024.
Subject: Support the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024
Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], a [parent/advocate/resident of your state], and I am writing to urge you to support the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, introduced by Senators Klobuchar and Duckworth. This critical legislation will ensure the health and safety of millions of children across the U.S.
Many baby food products contain harmful levels of toxic metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury, which pose significant risks to children’s development and long-term health. Studies show that exposure to these metals can lead to cognitive delays, developmental issues, and chronic health conditions.
The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024 would establish enforceable limits on heavy metals in baby food and require companies to regularly test and report their findings. Parents deserve transparency and assurance that the foods they give their children are safe and healthy.
As a [parent/community member/advocate], I ask for your leadership in supporting this legislation. Ensuring accessible, safe, and nutritious options for all families is essential to protecting our children’s future.
Thank you for your commitment to child safety and health. I look forward to seeing your support for this vital act.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]