Sprout baby food pouch recalled for possible lead: How to check your lot and what to do

Parents are being asked to check their pantry after Sprout Organics announced a voluntary recall of one lot of its Sweet Potato, Apple & Spinach 3.5-ounce pouch for possible elevated lead. The company announcement—posted by the FDA on September 16, 2025—notes that no illnesses have been reported. 

Related: How to Navigate Through A Baby Food Recal

What’s affected

Before you scan your pantry, know that this is a limited, lot-specific recall. Most families won’t be affected—but it’s worth a quick code check to be sure.

• Product: Sprout Organics Sweet Potato, Apple & Spinach, 3.5-oz pouch
• Lot code / date: 4212, best by 10/29/2025 (printed on the bottom strip on the back of the pouch)
• Where sold: Primarily Walgreens and some independent retailers in the U.S. South; most sales occurred Sept–Dec 2024. The FDA notes it was not sold at other large grocery chains besides Walgreens. 

How to check your pouch

Flip the pouch over and look for the lot code and best-by date on the back bottom strip.

If you see lot 4212 and best by 10/29/2025, your pouch is included. If you need a visual, the FDA post includes product photos that show exactly where to find the lot code.

What to do now

If your pouch matches this lot, the fix is straightforward. No need to panic—just follow this short checklist and you’ll be set.

1. Do not serve the pouch. Set it aside so it isn’t used by mistake.
2. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Questions? Contact Sprout Organics at 510-833-6089 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. PT) or info@sproutorganics.com.
4. Tell caregivers. Let grandparents, babysitters, and daycare know so no one serves the affected pouch by accident.

Why lead in baby food matters

Young children are more vulnerable to the effects of lead. There is no known safe blood lead level in children, and a child may have no obvious symptoms.

If you think your child may have eaten the recalled lot—or if you’re simply concerned—reach out to your pediatrician to discuss whether a blood lead test is appropriate. The CDC currently uses a blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL to flag levels higher than most children’s. 

Food safety progress to know

The FDA’s Closer to Zero program aims to reduce dietary exposure to contaminants in foods for babies and young children. In January 2025, the FDA finalized action levels for lead in these foods (e.g., 10 ppb for most baby foods and 20 ppb for single-ingredient root vegetables and dry infant cereals), which guide industry and inform oversight. 

Related: FDA sets new limits on lead in baby food—what parents need to know

Everyday steps that can help

Offering a variety of foods supports good nutrition and helps spread out potential exposure from any single item. Public-health guidance also notes that diets with adequate iron, calcium, and vitamin C can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead—talk with your pediatrician about what that looks like for your child. 

FAQs

1. Are other Sprout products affected?
   No. The company says only this single lot of this pouch is included.
   
   
2. Was it sold at other big chains?
   The FDA lists Walgreens and independent stores in the South; not other large chains.
   
   
3. What if my child ate it and seems fine?
   Many children with elevated lead don’t show symptoms. Your pediatrician can advise on testing and follow-up.