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Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nearly 20 infant formulas found to contain toxic lead, arsenic, or both. Here's how parents can keep babies safe
Just as the infant formula crisis of 2022 has receded from the collective memory of American parents comes word of a new formula fiasco: presence of harmful contaminants, including arsenic and lead, in some of the leading brands, according to a Consumer Reports (CR) investigation. 'We really want these results to be empowering for parents,' said CR's manager of food safety research and testing, Sana Mujahid, in the report. '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. If you are already giving your child one of the formulas on our list with comparatively higher levels of contaminants, there are several steps you can take.' For the analysis, CR tested 41 types of powdered formula—established, newer, and popular store brands, as well as imported options—for a range of toxic chemicals, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. About half of the samples contained 'potentially harmful levels' of at least one contaminant. But testers also found it 'reassuring' that the other half were safe. And the investigation has already led to some positive change by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which, after being informed of CR's findings this week, announced a new initiative, called Operation Stork Speed, to strengthen its oversight of the formula industry, including with increased testing for contaminants. '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,' said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Consumer Reports head of food policy called the FDA's immediate response 'encouraging,' adding that 'we hope the FDA is provided adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through on their promises." This naturally occurring heavy metal—which can also be the result of industrial manufacturing and fracking—is carcinogenic to humans, with the most toxic form called inorganic arsenic. CR's testing measured both total arsenic and inorganic arsenic, finding the highest levels in brands EleCare Hypoallergenic and Similac Alimentum—both made by Abbott Nutrition, the company that exacerbated the COVID-related infant formula shortage of 2022 by issuing several recalls. Abbott responded to CR in a statement, saying it had concerns about the methodology used, and that such contaminants 'may be present in trace amounts in food products, including all brands of infant formula and even human breast milk.' Still, the levels found in the brand's formulas exceeded those established as safe in drinking water by the Environmental Protection Agency. 'Arsenic in high levels, of course, is a poison,' Dr. Mark R. Corkins, professor of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, told Consumer Reports. 'Over time, it increases your risk for certain cancers. So, long term, arsenic is a big concern.' Added Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the State University of New York at Albany, 'There is no excuse for having arsenic in baby food or formula. Absolutely none. The industry should be bending over backward to be certain it's not there.' Also natural but toxic, lead can contaminate food through the soil it's grown in, as well as through water used for irrigation. It can have immediate neurological effects on babies and children if exposed, and has been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, and lowered IQ. Because it's pervasive in the environment, and difficult to get it completely out of water and food, CR expected to find it in almost all the formulas, and did. And while levels were below established limits of the FDA, experts believe they should be lower. 'We know that there is no safe level of lead exposure,' Hannah Gardener, a professor in the department of neurology at the University of Miami, told CR. who has researched heavy metal contamination in infant formulas. But to keep levels as low as possible, she added, 'Manufacturers need to do many things to protect consumers, including rigorous and repeated testing of their products and disclosing the contamination levels to consumers.' On the positive side, Mercury was not found in any of the formulas, and cadmium was found at levels too low to be concerning. The good news here is that there are many safe choices out there—specifically, 21 deemed to be 'top choices' by CR—such as Similac Advance, Emfamil Gentlease, and Earth's Best Organic Dairy—and 10 'good choices,' including Similac 360 Total Care and Kendamil Organic. Among the 10 'worse choices' are Similac Total Comfort and Target's Up & Up Soy, both of which contained inorganic arsenic. (Find the entire list here.) Though the brands tested are made by 14 companies, the U.S. market is dominated by just a handful, explained CR in its report. And about half of all formula bought in the U.S. is purchased through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—almost all of which is made by just two companies, Abbott, which makes Similac, and Mead Johnson, which makes Enfamil. Both companies challenged CR's findings when given a chance to respond, sending details comments and noting that trace levels of heavy metals in the food supply are not an issue that is unique to infant formula. 'Abbott has a multi-step quality process in place for heavy metals to ensure that levels satisfy all relevant regulatory requirements in all countries we serve,' Abbott Nutrition vice president Dr. Hakim Bouzamondo, told CR, adding that he disagreed with the use of California's extra-conservative metrics to assess risk. A Mead Johnson spokesperson described the company's 'stringent testing protocols' and told CR that the company is 'committed to providing the highest levels of quality and safety for all our infant formula products as is evidenced by the fact that parents and pediatricians have trusted our infant nutritional products for nearly 120 years.' More on contaminants: Some protein powders contain cancer-causing toxins, new study shows, and these 3 types are the worst offenders The truth about American drinking water: Report shows widespread presence of hazardous chemicals 8 toxic ingredients lurking in your skincare and hair products. What to avoid This story was originally featured on
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."
USA Today
19-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Study finds lead, arsenic in some infant formulas
Study finds lead, arsenic in some infant formulas Show Caption Hide Caption Tips to help manage food recalls and prevent foodborne illnesses About 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 people die each year from preventable foodborne illnesses. Payton, USA TODAY Most infant formulas tested by Consumer Reports during a recent investigation came back clear, though a few contain potentially harmful levels of lead and arsenic, which could pose health risks for young children, the organization said Tuesday. The Consumer Reports investigation also found per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in almost all the infant formulas it tested and one that contained both bisphenol A (BPA) and Acrylamide. In high doses, many of these substances can cause health issues, particularly for infants and younger children as they develop. But the makers of some of the infant formulas highlighted are challenging the investigation, its methods and results, pointing out that many of the substances are found naturally in the environment and that their formulas are safe. Consumer Reports said the good news from its investigation was that most of the samples it tested did not pose health risks, "demonstrating that it's possible to produce baby formula without these dangerous contaminants and that safer alternatives are widely available." Consumer Reports also launched a petition calling on Health and Human Services Department Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., to ensure the FDA has the staffing and resources necessary to keep infant formula safe. What did Consumer Reports find? Sana Mujahid, manager of CR's food safety and research, said parents should not panic as a result of the findings, but should talk to their pediatrician about potentially switching formulas. In an interview with USA TODAY, Mujahid acknowledged that the contaminants found during testing are found naturally in the environment and that "consumers are exposed to them through various pathways. But we want levels to be as low as possible in infant formula." Muajahid said there were a number of formulas tested that did not have elevated levels of contaminants. Consumer Reports' food safety team tested 41 different powdered infant formulas, including well-known brands such as Enfamil and Similac, new startups, popular store brands and imported formula brands.. Among its findings: Arsenic: Consumer Reports found the highest levels of inorganic arsenic in Abbott Nutrition's EleCara Hypoallergenic (19.7 parts per billion) and the second highest in Similac Alimentum (15.1 ppb), also made by Abbott. By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits inorganic arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 ppb, Consumer Reports said. While most of the formulas Consumer Reports tested had arsenic levels below levels of concern, eight formulas were over Consumer Report's risk level and two more were very close to it. Inorganic arsenic is the most toxic form of arsenic and is a known carcinogen for people of all ages. It can contaminate groundwater as well as soil and the food that grows in it. Consumer Reports found the highest levels of inorganic arsenic in Abbott Nutrition's EleCara Hypoallergenic (19.7 parts per billion) and the second highest in Similac Alimentum (15.1 ppb), also made by Abbott. By comparison, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limits inorganic arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 ppb, Consumer Reports said. While most of the formulas Consumer Reports tested had arsenic levels below levels of concern, eight formulas were over Consumer Report's risk level and two more were very close to it. Inorganic arsenic is the most toxic form of arsenic and is a known carcinogen for people of all ages. It can contaminate groundwater as well as soil and the food that grows in it. Lead: Consumer Reports found lead at some level in 34 out of the 41 formulas tested, ranging from 1.2 ppb to 4.2 ppb, with the highest level found in Neocate Hypoallergenic. None of the formulas tested had levels that exceeded the Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) set by California, a metric Consumer Reports chose for its tests to ensure child safety. However, 18 of the formulas had lead levels that made up 50 to 100% of the California standards. Exposure to lead can have profound neurological effects on babies. Lead can contaminate food through the soil it is grown in or through water used for irrigation. PFAS: Many of the PFAS compounds Consumer Reports found in its tests are less widely understood than 'legacy PFAS' chemicals whose health risks are well known and for which the EPA has set limits in drinking water. Consumer Reports did find PFOS, one of the older PFAS compounds, in several models of formula. But Consumer Reports only tested one sample from each brand, so more testing is needed to definitively say which brands have PFAS and which ones don't, the organization said. BPA and Acrylamide: Consumer Reports found BPA and Acrylamide in just one formula: Enfamil's Nutramigen, which is a commonly recommended alternative to cow's milk formula for babies sensitive to milk protein. Research has found that BPA can leach out of plastic into food and that it is an endocrine disruptor in humans. Acrylamide is a byproduct of a chemical reaction that occurs during the manufacturing process and is classified by the EPA as a likely carcinogen. Companies respond to investigation Both Abbott Nutrition, the maker of Similac, and Enfamil challenged the results of the investigation to Consumer Reports, in comments that were included in the report, and said heavy metals or chemicals are never intentionally added to their products. They also said trace levels of heavy metals in the food supply are not an issue that is unique to infant formula. In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Abbott said "Abbott's infant formulas are safe, and parents can use them confidently. Heavy metals are naturally occurring in the environment, including in the soil, water, or air where foods are grown. As a result, they 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 results reported by Consumer Reports for our infant formulas meet the regulations for heavy metals already set by the European Commission and Health Canada. Moreover, these results are reported in parts-per-billion." One part per billion, Abbott said, is equal to a grain of sand in 730 pounds of sand. Abbott said it has a multi-step quality process for heavy metals to ensure levels are below the relevant regulatory requirements in each of the countries it serves. "Individual ingredients that we believe may contain trace heavy metals (due to absorption from the natural environment) are tested during the qualification process before we approve them for use in our products." Abbott also has an ongoing surveillance testing program "to ensure that our supplier and ingredient qualification process is working as intended." Mead Johnson Nutrition, the maker of Enfamil, also provided USA TODAY with a statement. The company said parents and pediatricians have trusted its products for nearly 120 years and that it took all testing, including by Consumer Reports "very seriously." "We employ stringent testing protocols for heavy metals, and our acceptable ranges ensure compliance with all major international regulations including the U.S. FDA," Mead Johnson said. "We are concerned that a singular report of this type, without scientific, regulatory and environmental context, can lead to oversimplified statements that can cause concern among parents and caregivers about products that are absolutely safe, potentially leading them to seek out alternatives that may be less safe and nutritious." In a response to Consumer Reports about it's Enfamil Nutramigen product, which had results of BPA and acrylamide, Mead Johnson disputed Consumer Report's findings, saying it "contradicts hundreds of results from several years of testing done on both raw materials and finished products by Mead Johnson's food safety experts under a food safety program specifically tailored to infant formula," Consumer Reports said in its report. A Neocate spokesperson told USA TODAY: "The safety and quality of our formulas is of the utmost importance and we can say with confidence that our Neocate formula is safe for babies to consume. Heavy metals are present in the air, water and soil and, as a result, extremely small, trace amounts of heavy metals cannot be completely avoided. We do not add these elements to our products, nor can they be extracted from ingredients. We understand Consumer Reports conducted testing of dry formula powder. If they had tested the formula mixed with water in accordance with instructions, the already minimal trace levels found would be further diluted 7 times. "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet set safety levels for heavy metals in baby formula. However, our formula is within levels set forth as safe in EU and applicable California guidance," Neocate said. An FDA spokesperson told Consumer Reports that it has tested baby formula for contaminants as part of a Total Diet Study, and found no PFAs in those samples, no acrylamide, and only low or no detectable levels of lead, total arsenic and cadmium. Consumer Reports said the FDA studies have been limited and while a new survey focused on infant formula began in 2023, that data has not yet been released. The FDA did not respond to a USA TODAY inquiry for further comment by deadline. The FDA on Tuesday announced a new initiative focused on infant formula called Operation Stork Speed. It will include a nutrient review process and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports director of food policy, said the FDA initiative, announced after the organization shared its findings, was encouraging. What consumers should do Parents should not panic when looking at the results of this investigation, said Dr. Mark Corkins, division chief of pediatric gastroenterology and professor of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Le Bonheur Children's. "It should be something that's informative and you take it as a guide," Corkins told USA TODAY. Corkins, who is not affiliated with the investigation and was contacted by Consumer Reports for comment on its report, also said that the contaminants are naturally found in everything. "There's always been some different low-level of contamination in the food we eat anyway," he said during an interview. "The only worry is if the levels are too high." "For parents, it's like OK, you look at this report and you know that there's probably some in everything. If there's something that's high or above the levels where it's not considered safe even for the drinking water, then it's probably a good idea to avoid those," he said. But, Corkins warns against parents trying to make their own infant formula, which can be unsafe. It's also important to discuss any changes in formula with your pediatrician since some formulas are specialty formulas. Here are tips from Consumer Reports, in light of its investigation: Keep these test results in perspective: "Environmental pollutants are pervasive in our food supply and all of the contaminants CR (Consumer Reports) detected in formula have been found in breast milk, food, and water in previous studies," the organization said. Talk to your pediatrician: Consumer Reports suggests talking to your pediatrician if you are thinking about switching your baby's formula. Never try to make your own formula or offer alternative foods: Getting the right concentrations of nutrients, electrolytes, and fluid in formula is crucial, and virtually impossible to do at home, experts say. Use clean water to mix your powdered formula: The EPA sets limits on contaminants in tap water for most of the country, but not every part of it. If you drink water from a well, for instance, that water is not regulated by the EPA. It's a good idea to get well water tested for heavy metals and PFAS before using it, said Consumer Reports. You can contact your local health authorities with questions, and if you have concerns about environmental pollutants particular to your area, consider using bottled water or investing in a filtration system. 'Parents shouldn't have to worry that the infant formula they are feeding their newborn might contain toxic chemicals that could endanger their young child's health,' said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. 'At a time when many federal agencies are facing staffing cuts, it is critical for HHS Secretary Kennedy to make sure the FDA has the resources necessary to ensure that all infant formula is free of dangerous levels of harmful contaminants.' Food safety: Girl Scout cookies may contain heavy metals. Why is our food like this? Food safety is in the news The Consumer Reports investigation also comes on the heels of news that a group found the presence of heavy metals and the herbicide glyphosate in Girl Scout cookies. The Girl Scouts defended their cookies, saying they are safe to eat, that its products are manufactured according to current safety standards and any substances found in cookies come from environmental exposure. An analysis commissioned by Moms Across America and GMO Sciences said Girl Scout cookie samples contained heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. With modern testing giving scientists the ability to find parts per billion or trillion, contaminants can probably be found in many household food products, Jerold Mande, an adjunct professor of nutrition at Harvard's School of Public Health and a former senior policy official at the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food safety programs previously told USA TODAY. A Consumer Reports study in 2023 showed levels of heavy metals in baby food products were improving, but still "concerning." Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
