<p>This research evaluates the potential radiological health risks caused by natural radionuclides in both imported and locally manufactured baby food brands consumed in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, utilizing statistical analysis and Monte Carlo-based methods. Activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were measured in various baby food samples using a NaI(Tl) based gamma spectrometry with a CASSAY software for spectral analysis. The results shows that ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K have mean activity concentrations of 13.2 ± 4.23, 10.6 ± 3.38, and 217.0 ± 6.94&#xa0;Bq kg^− 1, respectively. The estimated annual effective dose from the three radionuclides for infants in age groups &lt; 1 y and 1–2 y surpassed the internationally suggested limit of 1 mSv y^− 1, indicating a potential radiological health concern. The mean values of ELCR evaluated by deterministic calculations were 1.05 × 10^− 2 and 4.83 × 10^− 3 for infants aged &lt; 1 y and 1–2 y, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations provided probabilistic risk estimates, which revealed that the ELCR surpassed the acceptable threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁴, suggesting a non-negligible carcinogenic risk associated with long-term consumption of the baby food brands. The results of this study emphasize the importance of stringent quality control measures, enhanced regulatory oversight and public awareness to mitigate potential health effects. Routine monitoring and additional research on dietary exposure routes are advised to guarantee the safety of infant food products in the region. The study calls for more research into dietary exposure pathways and regular monitoring to ensure the safety of infant food products in the region.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>