Study Finds Several Infant Formulas With Potentially Harmful Metals, Including Lead

Recent testing of infant formulas found some concerning levels of lead, arsenic, and various other potentially harmful substances. Consumer Reports analyzed 41 powdered formulas, including products from Enfamil, Similac, and Bobbie, as well as some private labels and imported brands.

The study found the highest level of arsenic in Abbott Nutrition’s EleCare Hypoallergenic formula. Also manufactured by Abbott, Similac Alimentum had the second-highest level of arsenic. The heavy metal is considered toxic and believed to cause cancer in humans.

“There is no excuse for having arsenic in baby food or formula,” Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the State University of New York at Albany, told Consumer Reports. “Absolutely none. The industry should be bending over backward to be certain it’s not there.”

Out of the 41 brands, 34 contained some level of lead. Enfamil Nutramigen tested the highest for the substance. While natural in the environment, consumption of lead can have negative neurological effects on children.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) were found in almost all the samples. One contained both bisphenol A (BPA) and acrylamide. These substances are reportedly harmful to babies and young children, especially since they tend to accumulate in the blood.

Speaking to USA Today, Consumer Reports’ food safety and research manager, Sana Mujahid, noted that people are often exposed to these contaminants in the environment. Yet, we should still remain vigilant when it comes to unhealthy substances in baby formula.

The Infant Formula Industry Responds

Once Consumer Reports’ findings were published, baby formula makers went on the defense.

“Abbott’s infant formulas are safe, and parents can use them confidently,” Abbott wrote in a statement obtained by USA Today. “Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment, including in the soil, water, or air where foods are grown.”

Abbott also noted its formulas are within established government guidelines for levels of heavy metals. The company added that it thoroughly tests its products for heavy metals to ensure quality and regulatory requirements are met.

Enfamil’s maker, Mead Johnson Nutrition, is taking Consumer Reports’ analysis “very seriously.” However, the company clarified the lead findings related to its Nutramigen product, saying the levels found were “well below” FDA standards.

“We are concerned that a singular report of this type, without scientific, regulatory and environmental context, can lead to oversimplified statements that can cause concern among parents and caregivers about products that are absolutely safe, potentially leading them to seek out alternatives that may be less safe and nutritious,” Mead Johnson wrote.

Despite the findings, half of the formulas Consumer Reports tested contained little or no contaminants. According to Mujahid, parents have no reason to panic over the study, but they should talk to their pediatrician before changing infant formulas.