The Tamesis
Some popular infant formula brands contain heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and PFAS, or “forever” chemicals, according to a new report from Consumer Reports.
The nonprofit consumer advocacy group found that more than half of the 49 powder, liquid and alternative protein and hypoallergenic formulas it tested contained harmful contaminants that were “potentially concerning.”
“Repeated exposure to these contaminants can have negative effects on a baby’s health, especially because babies are so young and all their organ systems are still developing,” Sana Mujahid, manager of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, told CBS News. “Sometimes, that’s not the only source of their exposure to these contaminants, which can also come from water.”
Consumer Reports said that while the infant formula market is regulated, such products do not always “escape the effects of environmental contamination or process contamination.” The United States also has no limits on the amount of contaminants allowed in infant formula, and manufacturers are not required to test formula for the presence of contaminants.
In an investigation last year, Consumer Reports found that many baby formulas contained lead and arsenic. At the time, the government’s food regulator promised Strengthen supervision and testing of such products.
Available safety brands
Consumer Reports found that of the 23 liquid infant formulas it evaluated, eight did not contain any heavy metals or contained low levels of them.
“Fortunately, our testing results show that there are still many safe, affordable options available to parents on the market today,” Consumer Reports said. The report noted that many of these products are available through subsidy programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
Consumer Reports notes that about half of the infant formula purchased in the United States is made by two companies, Abbott Nutrition and Mead Johnson. Perrigo also makes many store-brand formulas.
Abbott and Mead Johnson dispute Consumer Reports’ findings, saying trace amounts of heavy metals occur naturally in the environment and throughout the food supply.
“Abbott’s infant formula is safe and parents can use it with confidence,” a company spokesperson told Consumer Reports, adding that infant formula sold by Abbott in the U.S. complies with European Union and Canadian heavy metal regulations.
Mead Johnson told the publication that it employs “rigorous testing protocols” and has taken steps to “reduce the content of unintended materials in our products to meet all safety and quality standards set by U.S. and global regulatory agencies.”
Perrigo also said it assesses the risks of its products and conducts testing for contaminants.
The companies did not immediately respond to CBS News’ request for comment.
bill to tighten federal rules
Mujahid encouraged parents to discuss the formula they are using with their child’s pediatrician and discuss any concerns. Consumer Reports also advises parents not to mix their own formula and to make sure they use clean water when mixing formula.
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters introduced a bill last year, the Protecting Infant Formula from Contamination Act, that would require infant formula manufacturers to notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within one business day of discovering that infant formula is contaminated, misbranded or adulterated. The measure passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in January.
