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Are there dangerous levels of heavy metals in my baby’s formula?

The Claim

Popular brands of U.S. formula contain dangerous heavy metals.

The Facts

Heavy metals are found throughout the environment. The amount of heavy metal is what matters to health – they only become dangerous above a certain le

The Truth

The levels of heavy metals in tested formulas were below European regulatory limits (the gold standard for heavy metals in infant formula).

More about Dr. Dulabon

What we're hearing:

A recent Consumer Reports investigation found dangerous heavy metals in popular brands of baby formula.

What we're hearing:

A recent Consumer Reports investigation found dangerous heavy metals in popular brands of baby formula.

What's true:

Yes, heavy metals were detected in some commonly used baby formulas. Heavy metals are naturally present in the environment, including in soil, water and food, so small amounts can make their way into a wide range of products (including baby formula).

What's missing?

“Detected” doesn’t necessarily mean “dangerous.” What matters is how much is present. A substance that is deadly at certain levels can have no effect at small enough levels. As the saying goes, “the dose makes the poison.”

The most recent testing showed that all tested formulas contained heavy metal levels lower than EU regulatory standards. The FDA does not currently have federally regulated maximum limits for heavy metals in infant formula, but the EU limits are used as the gold standard.

What's at stake:

When information lacks context, it can prompt parents to switch formulas unnecessarily, avoid formula when it’s needed, or turn to alternatives – like homemade formula – that create real risks for a baby’s nutrition and safety.

Bottom line:

If you’re using a formula that was featured in the report, and your baby is growing, healthy and thriving, there’s no need to worry.

References

Consumer Reports Investigation

FDA’s Infant Formula Product Testing Results

EU Infant Food Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While standards differ slightly, U.S. formulas already meet high safety requirements and generally align with European standards.

Not necessarily. Heavy metals are naturally present in the environment, so they can be found in both organic and non-organic formulas.

If you’re using city tap water, lead levels are closely monitored and regulated. If you have well water, it’s a good idea to test it. Even when combining formula and water, the total levels are generally very low and not considered concerning.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain bacteria (Bacillus cereus) that can occasionally contaminate food. If your formula is part of a recalled batch, you should return or discard it. Otherwise, this type of issue is limited to specific batches and isn’t a concern for all formulas from that brand.

There’s a lot of information online, and not all of it is reliable. Look for sources from people with medical training or scientific expertise, and check their credentials. When in doubt, your pediatrician is always a trusted resource.

No, you shouldn’t. All of the formulas included in the report were within safe levels.

If your baby is growing, healthy and doing well, there’s no need to switch formulas based on this report alone. The levels found were within expected ranges, and changing formulas unnecessarily may create more issues than it solves.

Breast milk and formula are both safe, healthy options. The best choice is the one that works for your family. What matters most is that your baby is fed, growing and thriving.

We do not recommend using homemade formula. Commercial formulas are carefully designed to provide the exact nutrients babies need, and it’s very difficult to safely replicate that at home.

It’s not necessarily unsafe, but there are added risks. You don’t have the same FDA oversight, and there can be unknowns around sourcing, shipping and storage.

None of the U.S. formulas included in the report were recalled based on this report, because the levels found were within established safety limits.

Carly Dulabon, MD, IBCLC, NABBLM-C, and mom of three

Division Director, Breastfeeding Medicine

Dr. Carly Dulabon is the director of Akron Children’s Division of Breastfeeding Medicine and one of fewer than 100 physicians in the United States board-certified in breastfeeding and lactation medicine. Through her clinical experience caring for newborns and infants, she helps families understand the latest evidence and recommendations related to infant feeding and formula use.

Full Bio

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