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Baby Food Contamination, Who is complicit? With Brent Wisner

Mass Tort News LegalCast

Release Date: 06/17/2024

In this episode of LegalCast, Mark York from MassTort News welcomes Brent Wisner from Wisner Baum to discuss a newly consolidated MDL concerning heavy metals in baby food. Wisner outlines the history and developments of this litigation, which began nearly two years ago with cases filed in state courts. The litigation focuses on major baby food manufacturers like Gerber and Beech-Nut, accused of selling products with dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, which have been linked to autism and ADHD in children.
 
Wisner recounts how the MDL was recently established in San Francisco under Judge Corley, a seasoned judge with a strong background. He highlights a pivotal moment when state court proceedings demonstrated that there was substantial scientific evidence supporting their claims, allowing the case to move forward despite initial resistance from the defendants.
 
York and Wisner explore the scale of the problem, with Wisner emphasizing the staggering number of studies linking these heavy metals to neurodevelopmental issues. He discusses the challenge of proving specific causation for each child affected, noting a recent favorable ruling from the Fifth Circuit that bolstered their position.
 
They also talk about the massive potential plaintiff pool, with Wisner explaining the strict criteria his firm uses to select cases to ensure only the strongest cases proceed. He expresses confidence in their evidence and strategy, predicting that once the public and juries see the internal documents and depositions, the defendants will face severe repercussions.
 
The conversation touches on the systemic issues in the baby food industry, including a lack of FDA regulations historically and the industry's conscious disregard for safety. Wisner describes shocking examples of corporate negligence and the long-term impact of heavy metal exposure on children's development.
 
In wrapping up, Wisner foresees a protracted and intense legal battle, stressing the existential threat this litigation poses to the defendants. He urges baby food manufacturers to cooperate in making their products safe and compensating affected families but anticipates a fierce fight ahead. The episode concludes with an invitation for other legal professionals to join the litigation effort, highlighting WisnerBaum's openness to referrals and co-counsel partnerships. 
 


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