We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Welcome to this week’s highlights, our weekly post that recaps important child health and safety news, research, and recalls from the previous week and other great finds we’ve come across in our internet travels. Enjoy!
- Jasmine
In the News:
Campbells Eliminating BPA in Soup Cans – Campbells has announced intentions to remove BPA from its soup cans, though no clear plan or timeline yet exists.
Arsenic Testing Proves Organic Baby Formula Safe - The test results are in on Nature’s One Baby Formulas independent testing, with results showing levels of arsenic below global standards for rice-based foods for infants. The company’s press release cites flawed methodologies in the Dartmouth study, but leaves more questions than answers about the reliability of testing for arsenic in food.
Rise in Preschool Cavities Prompts Anesthesia Use - Dentists nationwide are seeing more preschoolers at all income levels with 6 to 10 cavities or more, often resulting in the need for general anesthesia in order to undergo extensive procedures. Yikes!
Pink Slime for School Lunch: Govt Buying 7M Pounds Ammonia-Treated Meat - McDonalds and other fast food joints have halted use of ammonia-treated meat made from beef scraps and connective tissue, otherwise known as pink slime, yet the government continues to use it in school lunches as a cost-saving measure. While the ammonia treatment is supposed to curb e coli and salmonella contamination, it doesn’t appear to be all that effective. Why is this acceptable? Read more about pink slime here.
70% of Ground Beef at Supermarkets Contains Pink Slime – Guess what? It may be in your grocery store meat as well.
Britax, Orbit Baby Commit to Phase Out Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Car Seats - Both manufacturers commit to remove hazardous flame retardants and PVC from children’s car seats.
New Research:
Study Highlights Dangers in Everyday Products – Even the “Green” Ones
A first-of-its-kind peer reviewed study published last week reveals that both conventional and green products from household cleaners to personal care products contained a number of chemicals of concern that were not disclosed on the label. Over 200 products in 50 categories were tested for 66 chemicals associated with either endocrine disruption or asthma, and 55 of the 66 were found – even in so-called “green” products. Sunscreens and fragrance products had the most target chemicals and some of the highest concentrations. The study has been criticized for its methodologies, and the researchers admit that this is just a start but hope that it will provide a stimulus for conversation around toxic chemical sources and exposure.
Mom’s Weight Before Pregnancy Can Affect Baby’s Brain
A new study published in the journal Pediatrics found that preemies whose mothers were obese (with a BMI over 30) before pregnancy had double the risk of developing cognitive issues. The study involved 921 infants born before 28 weeks – the mothers gave placental biopsies immediately after birth and the babies’ neurological development was evaluated around age 2. It’s not entirely clear how obesity impacts baby’s development, but the leading theory is that the mother’s excessive weight can result in a heightened inflammatory response during pregnancy that adversely affects the baby’s brain.
Fantastic Finds:
Storing and Organizing Children’s Artwork from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking – Absolutely love these ideas for preserving the memories of your child’s artwork. Definitely pinterest-worthy!
Pinterest-Worthy:
Since we’re on the subject of children’s artwork, here are some fantastic ideas for displaying your child’s masterpieces at home:
Look What I Did! Art Display from The Creative Crate
Kids’ Gallery Wall from Less -Than-Perfect Life of Bliss
Large Scale Art Wall from HGTV
Recalls, March 6 – March 13:
CPSC Child Product Recalls
- Guidecraft Recalls Children’s Play Theaters Due to Tip-over Hazard
- Umbro Boys’ Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled; Waist Drawstrings Pose Entrapment Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Ross Stores
- Swing Sets Recalled for Repair by BCI Burke Due to Fall Hazard
- Recalled Products Originally Sold By Meijer Found to Have Been Resold By Discounters After Recall Date - A number of children’s products may have been illegally resold.
Child Safety Seat Recalls
No child safety seat recall announcements this week.
USDA/FDA Recalls
- Gerber Voluntarily Withdraws a Specific Batch of Gerber Good Start Infant Formula and Offers Replacement Product to Consumers
- Price Chopper Supermarkets Recalls Streusel Topped Fruit Pies
- Kansas Firm Recalls Pizza Topping Products Nationwide Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergen
- Publix Issues Allergy Alert On Publix Beef Stew Mix
If there’s anything you see and think we should feature, please send it to jasmine@purebebe.com.
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Hidden Dangers in Everyday Products: It’s very eye-opening to learn that even some of the green products aren’t that great for you. I hope that the study opens the door for more research, safer products, and more transparency for consumers.
Love the kids’ gallery wall! What a great way to display their work in such a quick and organized fashion!