As a new or expectant mother, you’re doing everything you can to give your baby the best start in life. If you’re considering formula feeding, you may be concerned about the safety of infant formula, especially after hearing about harmful contaminants—like lead, arsenic, and other toxic chemicals—found in some powdered formula brands. This guide is here to help you navigate those concerns and make informed decisions for your baby’s health and well-being.

Formula Safety Concerns

A recent study by Consumer Reports has raised alarms about the safety of powdered infant formula. It found that almost half of the 41 powdered formula samples tested contained concerning levels of at least one contaminant. This news has understandably caused worry among parents who want to protect their babies. Here’s what you need to know:

• Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can contaminate water, soil, and the food grown in it. Long-term exposure can increase cancer risks and affect your baby’s development. 
  • While there are no specific limits for arsenic in infant formula, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits arsenic in drinking water to 10 parts per billion (ppb). 
  • Consumer Reports calculated a “hazard quotient,” or the level below which no adverse health effects would be expected to occur. While most of the powered formulas they tested were below their “hazard quotient” for arsenic, seven of the 41 formula samples were over the limit, and two more were very close to it.
• Lead: There is no safe level of lead exposure, and even small amounts can harm your baby’s health and development. Lead exposure has been linked to learning disabilities, behavior problems, and lower IQs. 
  • While most lead exposure in children comes from older homes with lead-based paint, lead can also find its way into food during manufacturing. 
  • Almost all of the powdered formula samples tested by Consumer Reports contained lead.
  • Lead levels ranged from 1.2 ppb to 4.2 ppb, which seems low, but experts believe even those levels are too high since some babies and children may experience lead exposure from more than one source. 
• PFAS (Forever Chemicals): PFAS are man-made chemicals that can remain in the body for years, potentially affecting your baby’s immunity and overall health. PFAS can also be found in the environment and food packaging. Consumer Reports discovered PFAS in nearly every formula sample they tested.
• Other Chemicals: The study also tested for other harmful chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA) and acrylamide, which are linked to health risks. Thankfully, these chemicals were found in only one formula sample. Cadmium and mercury were also tested. While mercury was not found in any of the formulas, cadmium was found in such low levels that experts do not consider it concerning. 

Increased Government Oversight

Formula safety is a critical issue because babies are especially vulnerable to harmful chemicals. Infant formula is heavily regulated to ensure its nutritional content and to prevent bacterial contamination, but less attention has been paid to contaminants. However, there’s hope for change. After Consumer Reports shared their findings with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency launched an initiative called “Operation Stork Speed” to improve oversight of the formula industry. This includes more testing for heavy metals and other toxins, which is a step in the right direction.

How to Reduce Exposure

While concerns about formula safety are important, there are steps you can take to reduce potential risks. Here are some tips to help you make safer choices:

• Choose Carefully: About half of the formulas in Consumer Reports’ study contained low or no concerning levels of chemicals. So, while some formulas were problematic, many others are safe and trustworthy. Click this link for brands with good safety records and those that commit to regular testing for contaminants.
• Consider Organic: Organic formulas often have fewer contaminants, but it’s still important to check the safety records of the specific brand. Look for companies that regularly test their products for heavy metals and other harmful substances.
• Use Clean Water: If you’re concerned about pollutants in your tap water, consider testing and filtering it before using it to prepare powdered formula. This can reduce your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals like PFAS.
• Use Liquid Formula: Liquid formula, whether ready-to-feed or liquid concentrate, is sterile and may be a safer choice than powdered formula, especially for newborns and babies with compromised immune systems. Not only are liquid formulas heat-treated to be free from bacterial contamination, but the manufacturing process may offer potentially less risk of cross contamination with harmful chemicals. 
• Breastfeed: Breastfeeding can help reduce your baby’s exposure to toxic metals. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months. The AAP supports continued breastfeeding after solid foods are introduced as long as you and your baby desire, for 2 years or beyond.

Breastfeeding Support is Available

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Pumping 101
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

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