Recently, Consumer Reports released a story about finding contaminants of heavy metals – such as lead and arsenic – in infant formula. Soon after, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced “Operation Stork Speed,” a new initiative to strengthen oversight of the formula industry, including additional testing for heavy metals and other harmful contaminants, and updating infant formula regulations for the first time in nearly two decades.
Since then, parents have sought answers and support from pediatricians and poison control centers across the county wondering how this will impact their babies. To address these concerns, Katie E. Lockwood, MD, MEd, Distinguished Endowed Chair in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and pediatrician at CHOP Primary Care, Flourtown, explains:
- What the Consumer Reports findings mean
- Why the HHS initiative could provide positive improvement for parents
- How misleading information is making parents more scared than they need to be
What kind of heavy metals were found in the 41 infant formulas tested by Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports looked at traditional formulas – like Similac and Enfamil – as well as popular store brands, imported brands and organic formulas like Bobbie. They found about half of the samples had contaminants of at least one toxic chemical such as arsenic, lead, PFAS and others.
While it’s scary to hear that the formula we give to our children may have a harmful chemical in it, we must put it in perspective. Arsenic is commonly found in foods grown in groundwater like rice and cranberries. Over the past three decades, there have been several alerts about arsenic in apple juices, apple sauce and baby foods. In 2023, the FDA lowered the acceptable arsenic limit, so it is more likely to be found to be “high” now.
The most important thing to do if you learn the formula you’re giving your child has been contaminated with high levels of heavy metals – or has been recalled for any reason – is to stop using the formula and consult your child’s doctor.
In most cases, we don’t recommend urine arsenic testing because there’s nothing to do about it except to stop drinking that specific formula. If parents are highly concerned, they can talk to their child’s healthcare provider about testing. It is OK to pour any unused and potentially harmful formula down the drain.
Below, we address the specific chemicals found in Consumer Reports’ evaluation of baby formulas and their possible harm to humans.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and is carcinogenic to humans. It can be found in soil and groundwater, and in food grown with each. Fracking and pesticides can increase the likelihood of high levels of arsenic found in water and soil. Arsenic is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances in the environment and has been found in baby food, fruit juice and bottled water.
Seven of the 41 formulas tests by Consumer Reports were found to have a “hazard quotient” – or elevated levels of arsenic (as high as 19.7 parts per billion [PPB]), and two others were very close to that number. Currently, there are no established limits for arsenic in baby formula, but the EPA has established limits of 10 PPB for municipal drinking water and the FDA has set the same limit for bottled water.
Lead
Lead is also a naturally occurring, but toxic heavy metal. While most families are familiar with the risks of lead poisoning from lead-based paint and old pipes, it can also contaminate food though the soil it is grown in and the water used for irrigation. The hazardous effects of lead poisoning on children is well-studied and can have profound neurological impact. Lead exposure has been linked to lower IQ, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and behavior problems.
In nearly half (18 of 41) of the infant formulas tested by Consumer Reports, lead levels exceeded the most protective standard available – the maximum allowable dose level (MADL) set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. In 18 formulas, the lead intake for an average 3-month-old would be 50 to 100% of the MADL limit.
PFAS and other concerning chemicals
Consumer Reports also tested infant formulas for:
- PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and acrylamide, chemicals known to be harmful to babies’ health
- Mercury and cadmium, two other heavy metals that carry potential health risks
- Potassium, which can be dangerous at excessive levels.
PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” are human-made pollutants that are long-lasting in the environment and our bodies. Research continues to mount about the potential harm these chemicals have on human’s health, immunity, fertility and longevity. There are thousands of these compounds, and the effects of many are not fully understood or regulated. Study authors recommended filtering drinking water used to mix with powered formula to minimize any impact for PFAS.
Only 1 formula was found to contain BPA, a human-made chemical used to make plastics sturdier. BPA has been found to leak out of plastic into food and interfere with normal hormone function in humans. The U.S. has banned BPA to be used in baby bottles and infant formula containers. Mercury was not found in any of the formulas. Cadmium was found at extremely low levels and not concerning. And potassium levels were not concerning.
How do heavy metals get into the foods we eat in the first place?
Our soil, water and air contain heavy metals, and our food grows in that same soil, water and air. Natural earth processes like volcanic eruptions – or human processes like burning coal – can release mercury into the air. It can then travel great distances before falling back down to the ground. As a result, we have mercury in our lakes, streams and oceans, and in our soil. These metals may land on plants or be absorbed by plant roots. Occasionally, we find events where people are directly responsible for letting metals get into our foods and spices. It’s important to find food companies who use organic suppliers, who test for metals and other chemicals, and who use independent product testing.
Are there “safe” levels of any heavy metals?
Some heavy metals like iron, zinc, copper and manganese are essential nutrients and vital for human survival (although, they can also be toxic in high doses). For example, iron is used to build our blood cells that carry oxygen. On the other hand, heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium have no helpful role in the human body. We want to keep our body’s levels of these metals as low as possible.
Is it possible to completely avoid ingesting heavy metals and toxins?
Sadly, I’d say it’s not possible to totally avoid heavy metals and toxins – but we can try our best! Environmental health experts often promote the idea of ALARA, meaning that we should work together to keep our toxic exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Choosing food companies that are Clean Label Project certified is one way to keep our dietary exposure to metals and toxins “ALARA.”
Additional resources
- Kirchner L. “We Tested 41 Baby Formulas for Lead and Arsenic.” Consumer Reports, March 18, 2025. https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-formula/baby-formula-contaminants-test-results-a7140095293/
- “HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families.” FDA News Release, March 18, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-announce-operation-stork-speed-expand-options-safe-reliable-and-nutritious-infant-formula
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Recently, Consumer Reports released a story about finding contaminants of heavy metals – such as lead and arsenic – in infant formula. Soon after, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced “Operation Stork Speed,” a new initiative to strengthen oversight of the formula industry, including additional testing for heavy metals and other harmful contaminants, and updating infant formula regulations for the first time in nearly two decades.
Since then, parents have sought answers and support from pediatricians and poison control centers across the county wondering how this will impact their babies. To address these concerns, Katie E. Lockwood, MD, MEd, Distinguished Endowed Chair in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and pediatrician at CHOP Primary Care, Flourtown, explains:
- What the Consumer Reports findings mean
- Why the HHS initiative could provide positive improvement for parents
- How misleading information is making parents more scared than they need to be
What kind of heavy metals were found in the 41 infant formulas tested by Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports looked at traditional formulas – like Similac and Enfamil – as well as popular store brands, imported brands and organic formulas like Bobbie. They found about half of the samples had contaminants of at least one toxic chemical such as arsenic, lead, PFAS and others.
While it’s scary to hear that the formula we give to our children may have a harmful chemical in it, we must put it in perspective. Arsenic is commonly found in foods grown in groundwater like rice and cranberries. Over the past three decades, there have been several alerts about arsenic in apple juices, apple sauce and baby foods. In 2023, the FDA lowered the acceptable arsenic limit, so it is more likely to be found to be “high” now.
The most important thing to do if you learn the formula you’re giving your child has been contaminated with high levels of heavy metals – or has been recalled for any reason – is to stop using the formula and consult your child’s doctor.
In most cases, we don’t recommend urine arsenic testing because there’s nothing to do about it except to stop drinking that specific formula. If parents are highly concerned, they can talk to their child’s healthcare provider about testing. It is OK to pour any unused and potentially harmful formula down the drain.
Below, we address the specific chemicals found in Consumer Reports’ evaluation of baby formulas and their possible harm to humans.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and is carcinogenic to humans. It can be found in soil and groundwater, and in food grown with each. Fracking and pesticides can increase the likelihood of high levels of arsenic found in water and soil. Arsenic is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances in the environment and has been found in baby food, fruit juice and bottled water.
Seven of the 41 formulas tests by Consumer Reports were found to have a “hazard quotient” – or elevated levels of arsenic (as high as 19.7 parts per billion [PPB]), and two others were very close to that number. Currently, there are no established limits for arsenic in baby formula, but the EPA has established limits of 10 PPB for municipal drinking water and the FDA has set the same limit for bottled water.
Lead
Lead is also a naturally occurring, but toxic heavy metal. While most families are familiar with the risks of lead poisoning from lead-based paint and old pipes, it can also contaminate food though the soil it is grown in and the water used for irrigation. The hazardous effects of lead poisoning on children is well-studied and can have profound neurological impact. Lead exposure has been linked to lower IQ, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and behavior problems.
In nearly half (18 of 41) of the infant formulas tested by Consumer Reports, lead levels exceeded the most protective standard available – the maximum allowable dose level (MADL) set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. In 18 formulas, the lead intake for an average 3-month-old would be 50 to 100% of the MADL limit.
PFAS and other concerning chemicals
Consumer Reports also tested infant formulas for:
- PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
- Bisphenol A (BPA) and acrylamide, chemicals known to be harmful to babies’ health
- Mercury and cadmium, two other heavy metals that carry potential health risks
- Potassium, which can be dangerous at excessive levels.
PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” are human-made pollutants that are long-lasting in the environment and our bodies. Research continues to mount about the potential harm these chemicals have on human’s health, immunity, fertility and longevity. There are thousands of these compounds, and the effects of many are not fully understood or regulated. Study authors recommended filtering drinking water used to mix with powered formula to minimize any impact for PFAS.
Only 1 formula was found to contain BPA, a human-made chemical used to make plastics sturdier. BPA has been found to leak out of plastic into food and interfere with normal hormone function in humans. The U.S. has banned BPA to be used in baby bottles and infant formula containers. Mercury was not found in any of the formulas. Cadmium was found at extremely low levels and not concerning. And potassium levels were not concerning.
How do heavy metals get into the foods we eat in the first place?
Our soil, water and air contain heavy metals, and our food grows in that same soil, water and air. Natural earth processes like volcanic eruptions – or human processes like burning coal – can release mercury into the air. It can then travel great distances before falling back down to the ground. As a result, we have mercury in our lakes, streams and oceans, and in our soil. These metals may land on plants or be absorbed by plant roots. Occasionally, we find events where people are directly responsible for letting metals get into our foods and spices. It’s important to find food companies who use organic suppliers, who test for metals and other chemicals, and who use independent product testing.
Are there “safe” levels of any heavy metals?
Some heavy metals like iron, zinc, copper and manganese are essential nutrients and vital for human survival (although, they can also be toxic in high doses). For example, iron is used to build our blood cells that carry oxygen. On the other hand, heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium have no helpful role in the human body. We want to keep our body’s levels of these metals as low as possible.
Is it possible to completely avoid ingesting heavy metals and toxins?
Sadly, I’d say it’s not possible to totally avoid heavy metals and toxins – but we can try our best! Environmental health experts often promote the idea of ALARA, meaning that we should work together to keep our toxic exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Choosing food companies that are Clean Label Project certified is one way to keep our dietary exposure to metals and toxins “ALARA.”
Additional resources
- Kirchner L. “We Tested 41 Baby Formulas for Lead and Arsenic.” Consumer Reports, March 18, 2025. https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/baby-formula/baby-formula-contaminants-test-results-a7140095293/
- “HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families.” FDA News Release, March 18, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-announce-operation-stork-speed-expand-options-safe-reliable-and-nutritious-infant-formula
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