Latest news with #AbbottNutrition
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Investigation reveals heavy metals, including ‘potentially harmful' levels of lead, in baby formula
A new investigation has revealed more than a dozen popular baby formula products have 'potentially harmful' levels of heavy metals. Consumer Reports tested 41 types of powder baby formula and found about half contained 'potentially harmful levels' of at least one contaminant. In particular, the non-profit found that almost all samples contained lead, and eighteen formulas contained 50 to 100 percent of the 'Maximum Allowable Dose Level' for a three-month-old. The 'Maximum Allowable Dose Level' is set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and is considered 'the most protective standard available.' While it's virtually impossible to get zero lead levels in baby formula, lower levels are always better, paediatrics professor Dr. Steven Abrams told Consumer Reports. Still, there is 'no safe level of lead exposure,' according to University of Miami neurology professor Dr. Hannah Gardener. 'Obviously babies need to eat,' Gardener told Consumer Reports. 'So there needs to be plenty of food and formula choices at the lowest end of the range of contamination. Manufacturers need to do many things to protect consumers, including rigorous and repeated testing of their products and disclosing the contamination levels to consumers.' Twenty-one of the formulas tested had little to no detectable heavy metals, including Enfamil Gentleease, Similac Advance, and Kirkland Signature ProCare from Costco. A spokesperson for Perrigo, one of the companies found to have formula with lead levels approaching the daily limit, said the company 'can't corroborate Consumer Reports's findings.' 'Perrigo-manufactured infant formulas meet all stringent FDA standards,' the spokesperson said. Consumer Reports also tested for several other contaminants, including arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS (also known as 'forever chemicals'). For arsenic, Consumer Reports tested for the 'most harmful' kind: inorganic arsenic. They found high levels of inorganic arsenic in two formulas from Abbott Nutrition: EleCare Hypoallergenic formula, which had 19.7 parts per billion, and Similac Alimentum, which had 15.1 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency limits arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 parts per billion, according to Consumer Reports. Abbott Nutrition disputes the test results, with a spokesperson noting the formulas 'are safe' and that heavy metals 'can be present in low levels in almost anything we eat or drink, including in baby food, all brands of infant formula, fruits and vegetables, and even human breast milk.' The company spokesperson said their formulas 'meet the regulations for heavy metals already set by the European Commission and Health Canada.' The spokesperson also disputed Consumer Reports's comparison to drinking water standards. 'Consumer Reports' use of drinking water standards as a comparison for powdered infant formula is inappropriate,' an Abbott Nutrition spokesperson said. 'Powdered infant formula is diluted before it is consumed; drinking water is not. If this were an apples-to-apples comparison to prepared infant formula, dilution would decrease the results reported by Consumer Reports by as much as six-to-eightfold.' Consumer Reports notes their testing revealed there are also several safe options on the market. 'We really want these results to be empowering for parents,' said Dr. Sana Mujahid, Consumer Reports's manager of food safety research and testing. 'If you are just at the beginning of your formula journey, there are plenty of safer choices from major brands like Enfamil and Similac and smaller brands like Bobbie.' Parents should talk to their pediatrician if they're concerned about the formula they use. Consumer Reports also warns that parents should 'never, ever try to make your own baby formula.' The organization also suggest parents should keep the test results 'in perspective.' 'Environmental pollutants are pervasive in our food supply, and all the contaminants in our tests—arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS—have also been previously detected in breast milk, food, and water,' Consumer Reports said. A day after Consumer Reports published their findings, the Food and Drug Administration also launched a new initiative to strengthen its oversight of the formula industry. "It's very encouraging to see the FDA issue this announcement immediately after Consumer Reports shared our findings about contaminants in infant formula," Brian Ronholm, head of food policy for Consumer Reports, said in a statement. 'We look forward to seeing the details of how they intend to implement the plan, and we hope the FDA is provided adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through on their promises." The Independent has contacted the manufacturers for comment. View the full results below:
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Investigation reveals heavy metals, including ‘potentially harmful' levels of lead, in baby formula
A new investigation has revealed more than a dozen popular baby formula products have 'potentially harmful' levels of heavy metals. Consumer Reports tested 41 types of powder baby formula and found about half contained 'potentially harmful levels' of at least one contaminant. In particular, the non-profit found that almost all samples contained lead, and eighteen formulas contained 50 to 100 percent of the 'Maximum Allowable Dose Level' for a three-month-old. The 'Maximum Allowable Dose Level' is set by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and is considered 'the most protective standard available.' While it's virtually impossible to get zero lead levels in baby formula, lower levels are always better, paediatrics professor Dr. Steven Abrams told Consumer Reports. Still, there is 'no safe level of lead exposure,' according to University of Miami neurology professor Dr. Hannah Gardener. 'Obviously babies need to eat,' Gardener told Consumer Reports. 'So there needs to be plenty of food and formula choices at the lowest end of the range of contamination. Manufacturers need to do many things to protect consumers, including rigorous and repeated testing of their products and disclosing the contamination levels to consumers.' Twenty-one of the formulas tested had little to no detectable heavy metals, including Enfamil Gentleease, Similac Advance, and Kirkland Signature ProCare from Costco. A spokesperson for Perrigo, one of the companies found to have formula with lead levels approaching the daily limit, said the company 'can't corroborate Consumer Reports's findings.' 'Perrigo-manufactured infant formulas meet all stringent FDA standards,' the spokesperson said. Consumer Reports also tested for several other contaminants, including arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS (also known as 'forever chemicals'). For arsenic, Consumer Reports tested for the 'most harmful' kind: inorganic arsenic. They found high levels of inorganic arsenic in two formulas from Abbott Nutrition: EleCare Hypoallergenic formula, which had 19.7 parts per billion, and Similac Alimentum, which had 15.1 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency limits arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 parts per billion, according to Consumer Reports. Abbott Nutrition disputes the test results, with a spokesperson noting the formulas 'are safe' and that heavy metals 'can be present in low levels in almost anything we eat or drink, including in baby food, all brands of infant formula, fruits and vegetables, and even human breast milk.' The company spokesperson said their formulas 'meet the regulations for heavy metals already set by the European Commission and Health Canada.' The spokesperson also disputed Consumer Reports's comparison to drinking water standards. 'Consumer Reports' use of drinking water standards as a comparison for powdered infant formula is inappropriate,' an Abbott Nutrition spokesperson said. 'Powdered infant formula is diluted before it is consumed; drinking water is not. If this were an apples-to-apples comparison to prepared infant formula, dilution would decrease the results reported by Consumer Reports by as much as six-to-eightfold.' Consumer Reports notes their testing revealed there are also several safe options on the market. 'We really want these results to be empowering for parents,' said Dr. Sana Mujahid, Consumer Reports's manager of food safety research and testing. 'If you are just at the beginning of your formula journey, there are plenty of safer choices from major brands like Enfamil and Similac and smaller brands like Bobbie.' Parents should talk to their pediatrician if they're concerned about the formula they use. Consumer Reports also warns that parents should 'never, ever try to make your own baby formula.' The organization also suggest parents should keep the test results 'in perspective.' 'Environmental pollutants are pervasive in our food supply, and all the contaminants in our tests—arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS—have also been previously detected in breast milk, food, and water,' Consumer Reports said. A day after Consumer Reports published their findings, the Food and Drug Administration also launched a new initiative to strengthen its oversight of the formula industry. "It's very encouraging to see the FDA issue this announcement immediately after Consumer Reports shared our findings about contaminants in infant formula," Brian Ronholm, head of food policy for Consumer Reports, said in a statement. 'We look forward to seeing the details of how they intend to implement the plan, and we hope the FDA is provided adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through on their promises."
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA launches effort to review infant formulas
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new initiative Tuesday titled 'Operation Stork Speed' aimed at reviewing infant formula ingredients and expanding available options. According to the FDA, the goal of its new initiative is to ensure the 'quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of the domestic infant formula supply.' In 2022, the U.S. infant formula supply was hampered following the temporary closure of Abbott Nutrition's Michigan facility due to bacteria contamination. The FDA shut down the facility for months, and a nationwide recall was issued. 'The FDA will use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them,' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement, calling this action 'critical' to his Make America Healthy Again agenda. The FDA's response to the 2022 infant formula crisis has been scrutinized, with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services finding that the agency was dangerously slow in responding to complaints about conditions at the facility. The blowback from this led in part to the FDA reorganizing its structure in 2024. In its announcement Tuesday, the FDA listed a set of actions it says will support nutritional adequacy and supply of infant formula. These include conducting the 'first comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients by the FDA since 1998,' increasing testing for heavy metals and extending the personal importation policy. The agency also said it will be encouraging companies to develop new infant formulas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
18-03-2025
- Health
- The Hill
FDA launches effort to review infant formulas
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday announced a new initiative titled 'Operation Stork Speed' aimed at reviewing infant formula ingredients and expanding available options. According to the FDA, the goal of its new initiative is to ensure the 'quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of the domestic infant formula supply.' In 2022, the U.S. infant formula supply was crippled following the temporary closure of Abbott Nutrition's Michigan facility due to bacteria contamination. The FDA shut down the facility for months and a nationwide recall was issued. 'The FDA will use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them,' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement, calling this action 'critical' to his Make America Healthy Again agenda. The FDA's response to the 2022 infant formula crisis has been scrutinized, with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finding that the agency was dangerously slow in responding to complaints about conditions at the facility. The blowback from this led in part to the FDA reorganizing its structure in 2024. In its announcement Tuesday, the FDA listed a set of actions it says will support nutritional adequacy and supply of infant formula. These include conducting the 'first comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients by the FDA since 1998,' increasing testing for heavy metals and extending the personal importation policy.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers introduce crop insurance, formula bills
Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn co-sponsored legislation aimed at preventing another infant formula shortage like the U.S. experienced during the pandemic. (Photo via Getty Images) This week in Washington, D.C., Iowa's all-Republican congressional delegation have introduced legislation to lower costs of crop insurance and baby formula. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn introduced legislation Monday he says will help prevent another baby formula shortage from occurring. The Infant Formula Made in America Act of 2025, co-led by U.S. Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pennsylvania, and Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut, was proposed in response to the 2022 infant formula shortage. The shortage has been attributed to a combination of factors, primarily supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recall of Abbott Nutrition products after two infants died from a bacterial infection after drinking formula manufactured at a Michigan Abbott Nutrition plant. Datasembly found that 43% of total consumption of baby formula in the U.S. was accounted for by the Michigan factory, which went out of stock during the recall and subsequent shutdown as the facility investigated the infection. The Center for American Progress stated that three domestic producers, Abbott, Mead-Johnson, and Nestlé, supply roughly 98% of all formula in the country, leading to massive shortages and price hikes when infections or other problems occur at these facilities. Nunn said in a news release the legislation is an attempt to encourage more manufacturers to enter the infant formula industry. The legislation would create a transferrable tax credit for small domestic infant formula manufacturers, with businesses able to receive a credit equal to 30% of their qualified investment each year, and a production tax credit of $2 per pound of infant formula produced. 'Just few years ago, millions of parents were scrambling to feed their babies – some even traveling miles or paying out-of-this-world prices just to get the formula their child needed,' Nunn said in a statement. 'We may be past that crisis now, but we should work to stop this from ever happening again. By supporting small-sized American manufacturers making infant formula, we can prevent another shortage and keep children fed and happy.' U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, alongside U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, introduced a bill Friday they said will help lower crop insurance costs for new farmers. Under current law, federal crop and livestock insurance programs give certain exemptions and more benefits to beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as veteran farmers and ranchers, for a period of five years. The Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act proposes extending these provisions to a period of 10 years, which Feenstra said would align with other federal 'beginning farmer' programs. 'Born and raised in rural Iowa, ensuring that the next generation of Iowa farmers and producers can continue long-held family traditions and grow the food and fuel that our nation and the world depend on is important to me, vital to our economy, and critical to our national security,' Feenstra said in a statement. 'To keep our farmland in the hands of Iowa farmers and away from China and our foreign adversaries, we need to cut operating costs for our young and beginning farmers so that they can grow, compete, and succeed – instead of calling it quits because of financial barriers. … This relief will help our young producers plant their roots in our rural communities, promote farm profitability, and strengthen Iowa's status as the breadbasket to the world.' A companion bill has also been brought forward in the Senate by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, also spoke about the importance of crop insurance Tuesday in a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing. She introduced Caleb Hopkins, a loan production officer for Dakota Mac in Halbur, who told the committee that crop insurance is the 'number one risk management tool in the belt for ag lenders,' especially when facing uncertainty caused by natural disasters. Ernst said crop insurance 'is the most effective and reliable risk management tool available to farmers that must remain affordable and accessible.' 'Over the years, Congress has approved multiple rounds of ad hoc disaster payments to help farmers recover from severe weather events,' Ernst said. While these payments offer relief in times of crisis, they are slow, they are unpredictable, and subject to political gridlock – leaving farmers uncertain about when or if help will actually arrive. Iowa farmers – who have faced multiple natural disasters in recent years – have made it clear that they need certainty and protection in real time, not months or years after the damage is done.'
