At Kekoa Foods we take food safety very seriously. On this page learn about our process to ensure our products are the safest possible, access our latest product testing results and read tips for you and your family to reduce heavy metal exposure from foods.
What We Do to Keep Your Little One Safe
At Kekoa Foods, your child’s well-being is at the heart of every decision we make. That’s why we go beyond industry standards when it comes to food safety. We ask for testing results on all raw ingredients from every one of our suppliers. And once a batch is made, it’s sent to an independent, third-party lab to test for four key heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Heavy metals are more likely to be found in root vegetables, since these plants naturally absorb metals from the soil. That’s why we never rely on single-ingredient purees. Every Kekoa Foods recipe, especially those with root vegetables, includes a diverse mix of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices to help reduce the risk of exposure and support healthy development.
All of our recipes are also 100% USDA certified organic. That means our partner farmers follow strict, pesticide-free practices, and our pouches are free from harmful chemicals — giving you peace of mind with every bite.
We’re proud to work with experts like Dr. Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist and mom who’s deeply committed to child nutrition and food safety. Her perspective offers clarity and confidence for parents navigating feeding choices. Here’s her guidance on heavy metals and what you can do:
Note from Dr. Nicole Avena
Scientist, Consultant, Speaker & Author
Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Health System
Visiting Professor of Health Psychology, Princeton University
“As a scientist and a mom, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to hear about heavy metals in baby food. But I want to reassure parents: knowledge is power, and there are simple, effective steps you can take to protect your child.
Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium are naturally present in soil and water — which means they can end up in many foods, especially root vegetables and grains. While we can’t completely avoid them, we can take meaningful action to reduce exposure.
Start by offering a wide variety of whole foods, rotating what your baby eats rather than serving the same items daily. Focus on nutrient-dense vegetables — especially those known to help reduce heavy metal absorption, like cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower) and foods rich in calcium and iron.
If you're concerned, read labels, ask questions, and look for brands that test for heavy metals and are transparent about their sourcing and safety practices. You can also avoid processed snacks or rice-based products that tend to be higher in metal content, especially for babies under one.
Most importantly, don’t panic. This isn’t about fear — it’s about being informed. You don’t need to be perfect — just thoughtful. A colorful, balanced diet and a little variety go a long way in supporting your baby’s health.
With the right tools and information, parents can feel confident in the food choices they make every day.”
— Dr. Nicole Avena
| Type | Recipe | Code | Expiration | Lead Results | Arsenic Results | Cadmium Results | Mercury Results |
| Organic | Shawarma Artichoke & Cauliflower | 01175XA111 | 7/17/26 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Mango Paprika | 12284X110 | 6/28/26 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Peas & Mint | 12284X112 | 6/28/26 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Squash & Kale with Turmeric | 12284X113 | 6/28/26 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Apple & Ginger | 12274X47 | 6/27/26 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Beets, Fennel & Kale | 06124X46 | 12/12/25 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| Organic | Curry Vegetable Mango | 05204X45 | 11/20/25 | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb | <10 ppb |
| US Limit | 10 ppb | No Limit Established | No Limit Established | No Limit Established | |||
| EU Limit | 20 ppb | 20 ppb | 40 ppb | No Limit Established |
Results are provided in parts per billion (ppb).
What does “ppb” mean?
It's an acronym for parts per billion, a scientific measurement used to describe extremely small amounts of a substance. To put it in perspective, one part per billion is like a single drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
We include this level of detail because even the tiniest traces matter when it comes to your baby’s health. It’s part of our commitment to transparency and our belief that parents deserve to make informed choices with confidence.
Learn More:
- Learn more about the FDA’s - Closer To Zero Initiative for Heavy Metals in Baby Food
- Ingredients and foods to eat to detoxify metals in the body,
- How to avoid heavy metals in your baby's food
Last updated, 06/06/25.