Bentonite Me Baby May Cause Lead Poisoning, Federal Regulators Warn

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting for the rights of victims injured by toxic and defective products, is commenting on a January 28, 2016 warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over “Bentonite Me Baby”—Bentonite Clay by Alikay Naturals due to potential risk of lead poisoning.

A laboratory analysis of “Bentonite Me Baby” conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health, revealed elevated lead levels. Exposure to lead may lead to significant damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the immune system, the FDA notes. In children who undergo chronic lead exposure—even at low lead levels—impaired cognitive function, such as reduced IQ and behavioral difficulties may occur.

A January 29, 2016 report from WebMD News from HealthDay notes that the agency indicated that it first learned of the high lead content in the “Bentonite Me Baby’s” clay from the Minnesota Department of Health.

HealthDay News notes that, according to the FDA, the Alikay Naturals website indicates that the clay used in “Bentonite Me Baby” is manufactured from aged volcanic ash and should be used no more than once weekly on the face and twice monthly on the hair. “Bentonite Me Baby” is sold online and in retail outlets and is marketed as medicinal clay, according to the FDA. “Bentonite Me Baby” labeling indicates that the product may be ingested and applied to the hair and skin for an array of conditions.

The FDA warns that, “’Consumers should not purchase or use ‘Bentonite Me Baby.’ Anyone who has used this product or provided it to a child should consult a health care professional immediately.”

“Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of victims who have been injured due to toxins, including lead,” Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation counsel at Parker Waichman said. “We are monitoring “Bentonite Me Baby” and claims concerning lead, a very serious and life-threatening toxin.”

Exposure to lead in children can cause brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, headaches, mental and physical retardation, and behavioral and other health problems. Lead is also known to cause cancer and reproductive harm, according to Parker Waichman. Once poisoned by lead, no organ system is immune. Of particular concern is the developing brain because negative influences may have long-lasting effects and may continue well into puberty and beyond.

“Lead is considered by many experts to be one of the most important chronic environmental illnesses affecting children today. Unfortunately, despite efforts to control lead exposure, serious cases still occur, Mr. McCauley added.

Parker Waichman LLP is currently offering free legal consultations to victims of toxic exposure to “Bentonite Me Baby”. For those who suffered a serious complication related to the lead in “Bentonite Me Baby.” please contact the firm by visiting its Toxic Exposure page at yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).