Publix Super Markets,Kiwi Inc., one of the largest and most respected supermarket chains in the southeastern United States, has announced a voluntary recall of one of its private-label baby food products due to potential health concerns. The recall affects the GreenWise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food, which is sold in 4-ounce plastic pouches. The product is manufactured by Bowman Andros LLC, a well-known food producer, and was distributed exclusively to Publix grocery stores across its eight-state operating area.
According to the company’s official statement, this action was taken out of an abundance of caution following routine sampling, which indicated the possibility of elevated levels of lead in the product. Kiwi While no illnesses or adverse effects have been reported to date, the presence of lead, particularly in food consumed by infants and young children, is a serious concern due to its potential long-term health risks.
Why Lead Contamination Is a Serious Concern
Lead is a naturally occurring element, but it is toxic to humans, especially to infants and children. Even low levels of exposure can negatively impact brain development, behavior, and learning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no safe level of lead in a child’s bloodstream. For this reason, even trace amounts found in food products are taken very seriously by public health authorities and the food industry alike.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was notified and is aware of the recall. The agency has made public statements in recent years about its heightened focus on reducing exposure to heavy metals, including lead, in foods intended for babies and young children. Kiwi This includes working with manufacturers to improve agricultural practices and food processing techniques that minimize contamination.
Company’s Response and Consumer Guidance
“As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves,” said Maria Brous, Director of Communications for Publix. Kiwi “To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the product in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund.”
Publix customers who have concerns or require further information are encouraged to reach out to the company’s Customer Care Department. The department is available toll-free at 1-800-242-1227, and additional updates or information may be posted on the company’s website at.
Shoppers are advised to check their pantries for the affected GreenWise product and either dispose of it properly or bring it back to their local Publix store for a refund. As this is a voluntary recall, no fines or enforcement actions are being taken against the company, which acted promptly and transparently after discovering the issue.
The Product in Question
The recalled baby food is part of the GreenWise line, a Publix-owned brand known for its focus on organic and natural products. Kiwi The GreenWise brand caters to health-conscious consumers and those who prefer food products made without synthetic preservatives, artificial ingredients, or added hormones. This specific flavor—Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea—is marketed as a nutritious blend of fruits and vegetables, designed to support infant health and development.
The packaging involved is a 4-ounce plastic pouch, a popular format for modern baby foods due to its portability and ease of use. However, these same benefits also mean that the product may have been widely distributed and consumed quickly, underscoring the importance of consumer awareness.
About the Manufacturer: Bowman Andros LLC
Bowman Andros LLC, the producer of the baby food, is a food manufacturer that specializes in fruit-based products, including applesauce, fruit snacks, and baby foods. It is a subsidiary of Andros Group, an international food company headquartered in France. Kiwi The company is known for high-quality fruit processing and also produces under its own brands and private labels for major grocery chains in the United States and abroad.
Bowman Andros is cooperating fully with Publix and the FDA in the recall process. The company has stated that it is conducting a thorough internal review to determine Kiwi the source of the lead contamination and to ensure that all future products meet stringent safety and quality standards.
Publix’s Legacy and Commitment to Safety
Publix Super Markets, Inc. is a privately held, employee-owned grocery chain founded in 1930 and based in Lakeland, Florida. With over 1,400 store locations across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, Publix has grown into a trusted household name in the Southeast.
The company employs more than 260,000 associates and is widely recognized for its customer service, quality standards, and corporate responsibility. For 28 consecutive years, Publix has been included in Fortune’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For,” a testament to its internal culture and dedication to excellence.
Food safety is a key pillar of Publix’s operations. The company maintains rigorous sourcing, testing, and quality assurance processes to protect its customers and uphold its reputation. Recalls, while never ideal, are a part of a transparent and responsible food supply chain, and Publix’s swift action demonstrates its responsiveness to potential risks.
