Hain Celestial Wins Midtrial Judgment in Baby Food Autism Suit

Hain Celestial Group Inc. won judgment midtrial in a family’s suit alleging heavy metals in its Earth’s Best baby and toddler foods caused their son’s severe autism.

The family couldn’t show generally that lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals can cause the alleged harm, which was fatal to their case, the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas said.

Grant and Sarah Palmquist alleged their son, born in September 2014, met developmental milestones until he was nearly 3. He regressed in all areas of development and now requires round-the-clock care and can’t communicate with caregivers, their lawsuit alleged. ...