Heinz Baby Food - Toddler Beef Stroganoff - found bug in baby food

# 19 for January 18, 2002

Complaints.com received the following e-message on January 17, 2002:

From: Stewart, Guy [Email User]

Heinz Baby Food - Toddler Beef Stroganoff - found bug in baby food

My wife was feeeding our 11 month old girl some baby food - Heinz Toddler Beef Stroganoff to be exact. About half way through the jar, she discovered on the spoon, a beetle. The beetle(bug?) was about 3/4 of a cm long and reddish brown in color.

The legs, head, etc. were clearly defined. She called the local, and federal Health Inspectors - who, by the way, want to pick up the bug 'immediately' (scary). I called Heinz within 2 hours of the incident to report the finding and inform them of the lot number.

They apologized, promised to check other lot samples, offered that ' the beetle would have been sterilized before it was sent' (????), and promised to send us coupons for more product!! How are we supposed to feel comfortable feeding our children Heinz baby food - or for that matter Heinz ketchup, tomoto sauce, etc etc ?????

This changes everything in the way you choose to raise your child - no matter how small the chance that something like this can happen - the point is, they do let it happen! My wife is traumatized (no exaggeration!), my two-year old completely puzzled, and I'm scared to think what my seven year son will say the next time I try to give him something with Heinz on the label!

Sincerely,

Guy Stewart

On my way to buy a food processor (and not in the least happy about it)

By the way, the details on the jar:

Toddler Beef Stroganoff (71/2 oz - 213 gram jar)

Product number # (1EP290121:32)

Best before: April 2004