Exclusive
new testing by Consumer Reports highlights safer infant formulas while also
identifying some that contain potentially harmful levels of heavy metals,
including lead and arsenic. Here’s what parents need to know to make the best
choice for their baby.

About 1 in 5 newborns in the U.S. rely solely on formula and
by six months, 3 out of 4 babies are using it as part of their diet.

Consumer Reports analyzed 41 types of powdered formula. 21
of the formulas tested had little to no detectable heavy metals, including
Enfamil Gentleease, Similac Advance, and Kirkland Signature ProCare from
Costco. 

But there were also worrisome results – Consumer Reports
detected inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, in seven baby formulas and
harmful levels of lead in 18 of the formulas tested. Lead exposure in babies can hurt
their brain development.  

Recent studies have shown that heavy metals like lead and
arsenic are present throughout our food supply, and formula is no exception. In
fact all the contaminants in Consumer Reports’ tests have also been previously detected in
breast milk, food and water.  

But that doesn’t mean the industry can’t do better.

James
Rogers, Ph.D., director of product safety at Consumer Reports, says, “The fact
that some levels in our tests are lower than others – and many are
non-detectable – just shows that it is possible to produce baby formula that
doesn’t contain worrisome contaminants and chemicals.”

Consumer Reports urges manufacturers to test their raw ingredients, packaging and final products to
minimize risks.

Consumer Reports reached out to all the infant formula manufacturers with questions about their
own testing for contaminants. Those that responded said that they test their
formulas and that their products are safe.

Two
major formula manufacturers, Abbott Nutrition, which makes Similac and EleCare,
and Mead Johnson, which makes Enfamil, both challenged the results and stressed
that heavy metals and chemicals are never intentionally added to their
products. They also pointed out that trace amounts of heavy metals are not a
problem that is unique to infant formula.

In
the meantime, parents should always consult their pediatrician with any
concerns and should never try to make their own baby formula.   

Consumer Reports’ investigation is part of its Toxic-Free Kids Food campaign, which encourages
policymakers and manufacturers to protect children from harmful dyes, heavy
metals and chemicals in their food.