95 Percent of Major Baby Food Brands Contain Toxic Metals, Study Says

Introducing solid foods into baby’s diet can be an exciting but nerve wracking time. Parents of course want to make sure baby is getting all the important nutrients, so they often turn to trusted baby food brands. But according to a new study published by Healthy Babies Bright Future (HBBF), most of the baby food available on store shelves is likely to have trace amounts of toxic heavy metals.

The study tested 168 baby foods from 61 major baby food brands (which are listed in the report) for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. The food spanned 13 food categories, including puffs, teething biscuits and rice rusks, infant cereal, fruit, vegetables, 100 percent fruit juice and infant formula.

Researchers found that 95 percent of the food contained low levels of at least one toxic metal and 25 percent had residue of all four, even among the organic baby foods. Trace amounts of arsenic was present in 73 percent of the food; lead in 94 percent; cadmium in 75 percent; and mercury in 32 percent. Only 5 percent of the baby food didn’t contain residue of any toxic metals.

“Even in the trace amounts found in food, these contaminants can alter the developing brain and erode a child’s IQ,” the report stated. “The impacts add up with each meal or snack a baby eats.”

A big part of the blame goes to government regulation–or lack thereof, study authors say. Despite the risks these toxic metals pose for babies’ developing brains, there still isn’t a regulated limit for the presence of toxic heavy metals in young children’s food, the study states. In response, the HBBF has teamed up with other nonprofits to form a Baby Food Council, with a goal of reducing toxic metals found in baby food products to an all-time low.

While the council has successfully reduced arsenic contamination levels in rice cereal and juice, they say, there’s still a long way to go. “Only a dramatically accelerated pace at FDA and the fruition of the new Baby Food Council’s pursuit of industry-wide change will be enough to finally solve the problem,” the report states.

For parents wondering what they can do to best protect their child, the HBBF has some recommendations. They advise parents to opt for rice-free packaged snacks, which have 93 percent less toxic metal residues—or better yet, switch out the snacks for apples, unsweetened applesauce, bananas, cut grapes, yogurt or hard-boiled eggs.

Similarly, switch out infant rice cereal—which is the top source of arsenic in an infant’s diet—for other grains, such as oatmeal, corn, barley and quinoa. Do the same for fruit juices, replacing them with tap water or whole and pureed fruits. (Remember, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents of juice’s high caloric and sugar content and advises no fruit juice for children under a year old and half a cup or less, daily, for children under 3.)

The results of the study are definitely startling, but don’t worry, there’s still a lot you can do to make sure baby’s food is nutrient-rich and toxins-free. Check out our tips on how to make your own baby food with speed and ease.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.