Which Spinach Brands Have Cadmium? Separating Fact from Fear in Your Diet

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2021 report from consumer protection group As You Sow, legal notices were filed against more than 20 companies, including major retailers and brands, over cadmium contamination found in a range of spinach products. Understanding which spinach brands have cadmium reports is complex, as findings are often related to specific lots and environmental factors, not the brand as a whole.

Quick Summary

Reports have indicated heavy metal contamination in certain spinach products from brands such as organicgirl, Earthbound Farm, and Green Giant, though findings typically relate to specific lots and environmental factors. Levels vary based on agricultural conditions, emphasizing the need for robust testing and mitigation strategies.

Key Points

Brands in Past Reports: Specific past reports and legal notices have named brands like organicgirl, Earthbound Farm, and Green Giant concerning cadmium found in specific lots or samples.
Cadmium is an Environmental Issue: The presence of cadmium is largely influenced by soil and water quality, making it a widespread agricultural concern, not an inherent problem with any single brand.
No Permanent Brand-Wide Advisories: There are no current, standing recommendations to avoid entire spinach brands based on chronic, brand-wide cadmium contamination.
Mitigation is Key: Growers can use practices like soil amendments, and consumers can vary their greens and check for recalls to minimize exposure.
Organic is Not a Guarantee: Organic spinach can still contain heavy metals, as soil and irrigation sources are the primary factors influencing contamination, not the farming method itself.
Diversify Your Diet: The best strategy for minimizing exposure to heavy metals from any single food source is to eat a wide variety of vegetables and leafy greens.

Heavy metal contamination in leafy greens, particularly cadmium, is a significant topic of food safety and nutrition. While spinach is a nutrient-dense food, its propensity to accumulate heavy metals from the soil has been a point of concern for regulatory bodies and consumer watchdogs. The question of which spinach brands have cadmium has surfaced in various reports and product recalls, highlighting the environmental complexities of modern agriculture.

Understanding Cadmium in Spinach

Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can enter the food supply through contaminated soil, water, and certain fertilizers. It is a toxic metal that accumulates in the body over time, with potential long-term health effects on the kidneys, liver, and bones. Spinach, like many other leafy greens, can readily absorb cadmium from the soil and transfer it to its edible leaves, a process known as bioaccumulation.

The level of cadmium in spinach depends on various factors, including:

Soil Source: The geographical location and natural composition of the soil play a crucial role. For instance, some regions naturally have higher levels of cadmium than others.
Agricultural Practices: The use of certain fertilizers, irrigation water quality (especially wastewater), and soil amendments can introduce or mobilize cadmium.
Genetic Factors: Some spinach varieties are more efficient at accumulating cadmium than others, an area where research is focusing on breeding low-uptake variants.

Historical Reports on Cadmium in Spinach Brands

While no brand has a permanent, definitive label as containing cadmium, several have been cited in past reports and recalls for specific batches of products that tested above regulatory limits. These reports highlight that contamination is often isolated to certain lots or times, rather than being a brand-wide, ongoing issue.

Notable Past Reports and Recalls

organicgirl Baby Spinach (2015): In September 2015, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning and subsequent recall for a specific lot of organicgirl brand baby spinach after tests found an unacceptable level of cadmium. The lot was identified with the code B030298-001B08S and a “USE BY SEP 13” date. The contamination source was believed to be uptake from the soil.
As You Sow Legal Notices (2021): The consumer advocacy group As You Sow filed legal notices under California's Toxic Enforcement Act to more than 20 food brands and retailers for having cadmium in their spinach products. The list included major brands like Green Giant, Earthbound Farm (Taylor Farms), Cascadian Farms (General Mills), and organicgirl. Retailers like Safeway, Target, and Trader Joe's were also cited for carrying contaminated products.
Waitrose Duchy Frozen Spinach (2018): Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety announced that a sample of prepackaged frozen spinach under the Waitrose Duchy brand, originating from Holland, contained cadmium exceeding legal limits. The vendor was instructed to remove the affected batch.
Earthbound Farm Baby Spinach (2018): Another report from Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety cited an Earthbound Farm baby spinach sample from the US for excessive cadmium.

It is critical to note that these incidents do not mean every product from these companies is contaminated. They represent isolated, historical findings or product-specific events that led to recalls or warnings for particular batches.

A Note on Organic vs. Conventional Spinach

Research suggests that organic farming is not a guaranteed shield against heavy metal contamination. Studies have shown that both organic and conventional produce can contain heavy metals, and factors like soil quality and irrigation are more influential than the farming method alone. In fact, some studies have shown that organic fertilizers derived from animal manure can also contribute heavy metals to the soil. Ultimately, a varied diet is the best approach to mitigate the risk of consuming excessive amounts of any single contaminant.

How to Mitigate Cadmium Exposure from Spinach

While the industry is responsible for reducing contamination, consumers can also take practical steps to minimize their exposure.

Consumer Tips for Safer Spinach Consumption

Vary Your Greens: Do not rely on spinach as your sole source of leafy greens. Incorporate alternatives like kale, Swiss chard, and arugula into your diet to diversify your nutrient intake and spread risk.
Check Recall Notices: Stay informed about current product recalls by checking the FDA website or reliable news sources. Recalls are specific to certain lots, so knowing the batch code on your product is essential.
Wash Thoroughly: Washing spinach is crucial for removing dirt and surface contaminants, though it will not remove cadmium absorbed internally by the plant. For bagged, pre-washed spinach, additional washing isn't necessary, and carries a risk of cross-contamination.
Cooked vs. Raw: Cooking spinach compacts the leaves, meaning a small portion of cooked spinach contains more nutrients and potentially more cadmium than an equivalent portion of raw spinach. Boiling and discarding the water can reduce oxalates, but its effect on cadmium is less clear.
Support Companies with Strong Testing: Contact your preferred brands to inquire about their heavy metal testing and mitigation protocols. Increased consumer demand for transparency can drive industry-wide improvements.

Safe Spinach Alternatives

If you are highly concerned about cadmium in spinach, several other leafy greens offer similar nutritional benefits with potentially lower heavy metal accumulation. Leafy green alternatives include:

Kale: Often used in smoothies, salads, and sautéed dishes.
Arugula: Known for its peppery flavor, perfect for salads and pizza toppings.
Swiss Chard: A versatile green with mild flavor, excellent when sautéed.
Bok Choy: A popular Chinese cabbage, suitable for stir-fries and soups.
Beet Greens: The leafy tops of beets are edible and nutritious.
Romaine Lettuce: A low-calorie option for salads and sandwiches.

Comparison of Leafy Greens


Leafy Green	Cadmium Accumulation Potential	Nutrient Profile	Culinary Uses
Spinach	Higher tendency to absorb from soil.	Excellent source of Vitamins K, A, C, folate, and iron.	Salads, smoothies, cooked side dishes.
Kale	Varies, but generally less of a concern than spinach.	Rich in Vitamins K, A, C, manganese, and antioxidants.	Salads, smoothies, chips.
Swiss Chard	Can accumulate heavy metals, but less data than spinach.	High in Vitamins K, A, and C, magnesium, and potassium.	Sautéed, soups, stews.
Arugula	Can accumulate heavy metals depending on soil.	Contains Vitamins K, A, C, and folate.	Salads, sandwiches, pizza.
Romaine Lettuce	Generally lower accumulation due to lower biomass.	Good source of Vitamins K and A.	Salads, burgers, wraps.

Conclusion

While consumer reports and official recalls have sometimes highlighted cadmium contamination in specific lots from certain brands, it is important to remember that heavy metal presence is not a brand-exclusive issue. It is an environmental factor influenced by soil and water quality. By diversifying your intake of leafy greens, staying aware of official food safety recalls, and practicing smart consumer habits, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with minimized risk. For the most up-to-date information, regularly consult resources from organizations like the FDA and consumer protection groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2015, a specific lot of organicgirl brand baby spinach was recalled by the CDPH due to unacceptable cadmium levels. In 2018, both Waitrose Duchy and Earthbound Farm spinach had specific batches recalled in different markets for excessive cadmium. These are historic, lot-specific incidents, not ongoing brand-wide advisories.

Not necessarily. Studies indicate that cadmium levels are primarily determined by soil and water quality, not just the farming method. While organic farming avoids certain synthetic inputs, cadmium can still be present in the soil and absorbed by the plant. A 2021 report from As You Sow included organic brands in its legal notices.

Spinach has a natural tendency to absorb heavy metals, including cadmium, from the soil and water where it is grown. This is influenced by environmental factors such as soil pH, soil organic matter, and irrigation practices.

To reduce your risk, diversify your diet by rotating different types of leafy greens and vegetables. You can also research brands that have robust heavy metal testing programs. Washing greens is always a good practice, but it will not remove internally absorbed cadmium.

No. The reports and recalls concerning cadmium in specific spinach brands are typically historical and related to particular production lots. There are no current widespread warnings to avoid any specific spinach brand altogether, but consumers should remain vigilant for new recalls or reports.

Many other leafy greens are excellent alternatives, including kale, Swiss chard, arugula, and bok choy. These options allow for a varied diet that minimizes reliance on any single type of produce.

No, it is not. The presence of cadmium varies widely, and many spinach products are perfectly safe to eat. Moderation and dietary variety are key to managing any potential risk. The nutrient benefits of spinach often outweigh the minimal risk of heavy metal exposure for most healthy individuals.