Judge scrutinizes baby-food lawsuit alleging metal-linked brain damage in infants

In a San Francisco courtroom, U.S. District Judge Jaqueline Scott Corley interrogated counsel as she weighed the future of a multidistrict class action that unites ten lawsuits claiming metal-tainted baby foods caused neurological damage in children. Plaintiffs—infants diagnosed with brain injuries, ADHD or autism—assert the products’ contamination is responsible, but the judge warned they must detail any additional injuries in their filings.

She dismissed claims against Danone North America, Sun-Maid Growers of California and two Nestlé subsidiaries, yet left the case against Campbell’s alive after an amended complaint alleged excessive oversight of its former subsidiary Plum. A motion for summary judgment from manufacturers, including Beech-Nut Nutrition Company and Walmart, was rebuffed for lacking specific injury allegations. Other defendants named are Whole Foods, Hain Celestial Group, Neptune Wellness Solutions, Nurture, Inc. and Sprout Foods, all ordered to supply further documentation before a final ruling. Corley expressed hope for a swift resolution.