Tejal Somvanshi
Recent investigations have uncovered worrying levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in some popular baby formulas, prompting immediate action from health authorities and raising questions about infant food safety.
Consumer Reports tested 41 types of powdered baby formula and found that nearly half contained “potentially harmful levels” of at least one contaminant. Most concerning were the heavy metals arsenic and lead, which can affect brain development and have long-term health consequences for infants.
“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,” said Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the State University of New York at Albany.
The highest levels of arsenic were found in EleCare Hypoallergenic and Similac Alimentum formulas, both manufactured by Abbott Nutrition—the company involved in the 2022 formula shortage. While Abbott challenged Consumer Reports’ testing methodology, the levels detected exceeded those considered safe in drinking water by the Environmental Protection Agency.
FDA Responds with “Operation Stork Speed”
In response to these findings, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced “Operation Stork Speed,” a new initiative to strengthen oversight of the formula industry. The FDA plans to increase testing for heavy metals and harmful chemicals, improve label transparency, and maintain regular communication with consumers and industry stakeholders.
“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,” Kennedy said.
Peter Pitts, a former FDA associate commissioner, emphasized the need for more rigorous inspection of both baby formula manufacturers and breast milk banks. “We need to make sure that food products like breast milk and baby formula are as robustly regulated as drugs,” Pitts told FOX Business.
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Health Risks from Contaminants
Heavy metals like lead and arsenic pose serious risks to developing infants. Lead exposure has been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, and lowered IQ. There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to experts.
Dr. Mark R. Corkins, professor of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, noted that “Arsenic in high levels, of course, is a poison. Over time, it increases your risk for certain cancers.”
Industry Response
Formula manufacturers have pushed back against the findings, noting that heavy metals occur naturally in the environment and are present at trace levels in many foods, including breast milk.
“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,” said Abbott Nutrition vice president Dr. Hakim Bouzamondo.
Mead Johnson, which makes Enfamil, described its “stringent testing protocols” and long history of safety: “Parents and pediatricians have trusted our infant nutritional products for nearly 120 years.”
Safer Options Available
Consumer Reports identified 21 “top choices” that showed minimal contamination, including Similac Advance, Enfamil Gentleease, and Earth’s Best Organic Dairy. Another 10 formulas were labeled as “good choices,” including Similac 360 Total Care and Kendamil Organic.
“We really want these results to be empowering for parents,” said Sana Mujahid, Consumer Reports’ 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.”
The U.S. baby formula market is dominated by just a handful of companies, with about half of all formula purchased through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—most made by just two companies, Abbott and Mead Johnson.
With the new FDA initiative in place, the goal is to ensure all infant formula options meet the highest safety standards. As Peter Pitts noted, “If we want to have options, all those options should be safe and effective.”
