Gerber baby carrot puree ordered removed

JERUSALEM, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Israeli health officials, citing unsafe levels of cadmium in Gerber baby carrot puree, have ordered the product removed from store shelves.

The health ministry did not disclose the levels deemed unsafe, but said they were discovered during standard checks by its public health unit, reports the Ha'aretz.

Cadmium is found in many foods but when consumed in high doses may act as a carcinogen, the report said. The ministry says the substance is dangerous only after long exposure to high doses of the metal.

Israel has become cautious since several babies died two years ago after consuming certain products sold under another brand, the report said.