Baby Formula Under Scrutiny as Study Finds Heavy-Metal Contamination

For many parents, choosing the right baby formula is a carefully researched decision—but what if the formula you trust contains hidden contaminants? Concerns over heavy metals in baby food have made headlines over the years, but for the first time, a new Consumer Reports study has identified potentially concerning levels of lead, arsenic and other contaminants in several popular infant formulas, raising fresh concerns about safety and regulation.

In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made a commitment to stepping up oversight, while parents are left wondering: What does this mean for my baby? Below, we break down the study’s findings, what parents need to know, how the FDA is addressing the issue and how you can take steps to ensure your baby’s formula is as safe as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Consumer Reports tested 41 baby formulas and found potentially concerning levels of lead, arsenic and other contaminants in 10 formulas, highlighting gaps in industry regulation and standards.
• Among the tested formulas, 21 were rated as Top Choices with low or no detectable contaminants. Only one formula was found to contain BPA—marking what experts say is an advancement in regulation and manufacturing.
• While heavy metals and other contaminants are common in the environment and unlikely to cause harm at the levels detected in formula, manufacturers have proven they can produce safer formulas—and these stricter regulations should be the standard.
• Following the study, the FDA launched Operation Stork Speed on March 18, aiming to strengthen formula regulations, increase contaminant testing and improve transparency for parents.
• Parents can take steps to minimize heavy metal and other contaminants exposure by consulting with their pediatrician about safer formula options, offering a varied diet and ensuring formula is prepared with clean, safe water and served in BPA-free bottles.

What the Study Found

Despite strict regulations, contaminants in baby formula remain a concern. To explore this, Consumer Reports (CR) tested 41 popular powdered formulas—from boutique brands like Bobbie to widely available options like Costco’s Kirkland and Abbott Nutrition’s Similac—for lead, arsenic, cadmium and other common pollutants, including BPA (a chemical used in plastics that can leach into food), PFAS (long-lasting “forever chemicals” linked to health risks), and acrylamide (a byproduct formed during manufacturing that may pose carcinogenic concerns).

Each formula’s contaminant levels were measured and recorded, then compared to established safety limits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the FDA. Since there are no federal limits for contaminants in infant formula, CR’s scientists relied on internationally recognized health-based daily exposure limits for contaminants—standards they believe to be the most protective available.

Based on these findings, formulas were categorized into three groups:

• Top Choices: Formulas with low or no detectable contaminants.
• Good Choices: Formulas with acceptable levels that meet health guidelines.
• Worse Choices: Formulas with elevated contaminant levels exceeding recommended thresholds.

Concerning contaminants

Among some of the most worrying contaminants found at elevated levels in formulas were lead and arsenic.

Arsenic: CR’s tests measured total arsenic and then isolated inorganic arsenic, the most toxic form linked to cancer. While the EPA sets a 10 ppb limit for arsenic in drinking water, no formal standard exists for baby formula. Using this benchmark, CR developed a “hazard quotient” to assess risk based on a 3-month-old’s intake. Eight of the 41 formulas exceeded this limit, with two more nearing it.

Lead: Lead exposure has long been a concern for parents, as it can affect development. Due to its presence in soil and water, eliminating it entirely from food is challenging. The FDA’s Closer to Zero plan takes this into account and aims to limit lead (at or under 10 or 20 ppb) in baby foods, but this doesn’t yet apply to formula. CR found lead in nearly all formulas tested, ranging from 1.2 to 4.2 ppb—below FDA targets but still higher than CR experts recommend. In 18 formulas, lead intake for a 3-month-old fell between 50 to 100 percent of California’s stricter Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) safety limit.

CR also tested for PFAS and BPA—two chemicals linked to health risks—and found traces of both in several formulas. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, potentially affecting immunity, weight-gain and long-term health. CR detected various PFAS compounds in nearly all formulas, including PFOS, but couldn’t determine consistent presence due to limited sampling. BPA, a plastic-strengthening chemical banned in baby bottles and formula containers due to potential developmental harms, was found in one formula, likely from ingredient packaging.

Top choice formulas

While the study found that 10 formulas contained lead or arsenic at or above daily limits (categorized as “Worse Choices”), it also identified several formulas with little to no concerning contaminants. These formulas, which fall into CR’s “Top Choices” category, provide safer options for parents looking to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

• Aptamil First Infant Milk* by Danone
• Baby’s Only Organic Complete Nutrition by Baby’s Only
• Bobbie Organic by Bobbie Baby
• Bobbie Organic Gentle by Bobbie Baby
• Bubs Stage 1 Easy-digest Goat Milk by Bubs
• Bubs Stage 1 Organic Grass Fed Goat Milk by Bubs
• Dr. Brown’s GentlePro by Perrigo
• Earth’s Best Organic Dairy by Hain Celestial Group
• Enfamil A.R. by Mead Johnson
• Enfamil Enspire Optimum by Mead Johnson
• Enfamil Gentlease by Mead Johnson
• Enfamil NeuroPro by Mead Johnson
• Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease by Mead Johnson
• HiPP Dutch Organic Stage 1 by HiPP International
• Holle Bio Organic Stage 1 by Cornu Holding
• Kendamil Whole Milk by Kendal Nutricare
• Kirkland Signature (Costco) ProCare by Perrigo
• Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) Advantage Premium by Perrigo
• Parent’s Choice Advantage Premium by Perrigo
• Similac Advance by Abbott Nutrition
• Up&Up (Target) Premium by Perrigo

**Aptamil was tested by CR but is no longer available for sale in the US.

What Parents Need to Know

It’s understandably concerning and upsetting for parents to hear that heavy metals like arsenic and lead may be present in baby formula. However, experts emphasize that these contaminants are found in many parts of the food supply, and that formula alone is unlikely to cause harm at the levels detected. Here’s what to keep in mind as you navigate your choices.

Contaminants are found throughout our environment

Heavy metals and other contaminants are not exclusive to formula—they are present throughout our environment and food supply. Studies have found them in baby food, juice and even breast milk. These substances can enter food through soil, water and packaging materials, making it nearly impossible to avoid them entirely. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Regulatory limits help keep levels in check, and some manufacturers have proven it’s possible to produce formulas with no or significantly lower contaminant levels—something that should be the industry standard.

Big-picture health risks

While occasional exposure to trace amounts of contaminants is unlikely to cause harm, experts say prolonged or high-level exposure can pose carcinogenic risks to baby in the case of arsenic and risks to a baby’s developing brain in the case of lead. “Heavy metal exposure can be harmful to neurodevelopment and has been linked to learning and behavioral problems in children,” Dina DiMaggio, MD, a New York City-based pediatrician and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells The Bump. However, DiMaggio notes that in her experience, high lead levels in children usually stem from environmental sources like lead-contaminated paint dust or toys. “I haven’t seen a baby with clinically high lead levels traced to infant formula,” she adds.

What the FDA Is Doing

In response to growing concern over formula safety, the FDA announced Operation Stork Speed on March 18. The series of new initiatives is aimed at strengthening regulations, increasing testing and improving transparency for parents.

Proposed actions from the FDA include:

• Increasing testing for heavy metals and contaminants in infant formula and other foods consumed by children.
• Launching a comprehensive review of infant formula nutrients—the first update since 1998—to ensure they meet the latest scientific standards.
• Encouraging manufacturers to improve formula transparency and labeling to help parents make informed choices.
• Collaborating with the National Institutes of Health and other research bodies to study formula’s long-term health impacts.
• Expanding access to safe and reliable formula by supporting the development of new formulas and maintaining strong regulatory oversight.

As a pediatrician, DiMaggio welcomes the increased interest, regulation and research. “I’d love for more research on infant formula and for there to be updated standards on the best ingredients to be included in infant formula and at what levels, to best mimic the composition of breast milk,” she says. “These updates should be guided by pediatric and infant formula experts based on the latest research.”

What Parents Can Do to Keep Baby Safe

While the FDA works to strengthen formula safety, parents can take proactive steps to reduce baby’s exposure to contaminants:

Research brands and consider switching formulas

Before baby arrives, take time to research formulas and choose one you feel comfortable with. If you’re concerned about contaminants in baby’s current formula, DiMaggio recommends speaking with your pediatrician about safer alternatives. Finding the right formula may take some trial and error, but with over 20 options at various price points on CR’s Top Choices list, parents can find a balance of affordability and safety without compromising their child’s nutrition.

Diversify baby’s diet

“The dose often makes the poison, so the most important factor is providing a varied diet and limiting foods known to be higher in certain metals,” says DiMaggio. To reduce overall risk, avoid supplementary foods with elevated heavy metal levels, such as rice-based products, once baby graduates to solids. Some studies suggest that organic baby foods may contain lower contaminants, making them a worthwhile alternative, she adds.

Use clean water to mix into your powdered formula

If you use powdered formula, make sure the water you mix it with is safe. While the EPA regulates contaminants in tap water, not all areas meet these standards. Well water isn’t regulated, so if you rely on it, testing for heavy metals and PFAS is a smart precaution. If you’re concerned about pollutants in your area, contact local health authorities for guidance and consider using filtered or bottled water when preparing formula.

Use BPA-free bottles and accessories

While BPA has been banned in baby bottles and formula containers, trace amounts may still leach from other plastic accessories. Opt for glass bottles or BPA-free plastic and avoid heating formula in plastic containers, as heat can increase chemical leaching.

Stay informed and advocate for better standards

The formula landscape is constantly changing. Keep updated on recalls and safety updates on the FDA website and support stronger regulations by advocating for stricter contaminant limits through petitions, organizations and lawmakers.

You can learn more about CR’s methodology, findings and view the testing results of all 41 formulas at ConsumerReports.org.

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.