High Levels of Heavy Metals Found in More Than 25 Additional Infant Formulas: Report

Testing builds on a prior Consumer Reports investigation that found lead, arsenic and other toxic chemicals in at least 41 powdered infant formulas.

A new investigation indicates that more than two dozen infant formulas sold in the United States contain measurable levels of heavy metals and other contaminants, expanding concerns raised in prior testing that identified similar toxic substances in a number of different widely used products.

In a new an analysis published by Consumer Reports on March 3, researchers detected arsenic, lead and certain industrial chemicals in a range of powdered and liquid infant formula products currently sold in stores.

The organization examined nearly 50 infant formulas sold in the U.S. and found detectable levels of at least one contaminant in more than half of the products tested. While most formulas were still considered safe to feed infants based on current risk thresholds, researchers warn that repeated exposure to toxic metals during early childhood remains a concern.

The latest findings build on a prior Consumer Reports investigation published last year that raised alarms after testing 41 powdered infant formulas for toxic contaminants, including lead, arsenic, PFAS chemicals, BPA and acrylamide.

Consumer Reports warned that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of developmental problems when infants consume contaminated products over long periods of time.

Following the release of the report, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials urged baby food and infant formula manufacturers to strengthen how they communicate product recalls and known safety concerns regarding bacterial contamination, nutritional dangers and the presence of toxic metals.

The latest findings add to growing concerns over infant formula safety. In recent years, manufacturers have faced hundreds of Enfamil and Similac baby formula lawsuits over allegations that these products may cause newborns to develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating condition that occurs when harmful bacteria damage the lining of a newborn’s intestines, resulting in inflammation, tissue death, intestinal perforation and potentially fatal outcomes.

Toxic Metals in Infant Formula: 2026 Report

Consumer Reports’ latest test looked for a variety of contaminants that experts say may pose health risks to infants if exposure occurs repeatedly during early development.

Among the substances identified in some formulas were:

• Lead, which has been linked to neurological damage and developmental delays
• Arsenic, a toxic metal associated with increased cancer risks and developmental harm
• PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment
• Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used in plastics and food packaging
• Acrylamide, a compound that can form during food processing

Researchers note that heavy metals can enter infant formula through ingredients, contaminated soil or water used in agricultural production, or during manufacturing and processing.

Toxic Metals and Infants

Health experts say that because infant formula often serves as the primary or sole source of nutrition during the first months of life, babies may be especially vulnerable to contaminants while their brains and organs are still developing.

Researchers warn that even small amounts of toxic metals may pose risks when exposure occurs repeatedly over time, underscoring the importance of keeping contamination levels as low as possible.

However, Consumer Reports emphasized that parents should not panic or abruptly switch formulas without consulting a pediatrician, especially if their child relies on specialized products designed for allergies or digestive conditions.

The findings have renewed calls from the watchdog group for stronger oversight and more rigorous testing requirements for infant formula products sold in the United States.

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuits

Separate from the contamination concerns, families of premature infants who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after being fed cow’s milk based formulas are pursuing Enfamil lawsuits and Similac lawsuits against the manufacturers. The claims allege that premature infants suffered severe injuries or death after developing the intestinal disease while receiving the formulas in hospital neonatal intensive care units.

Attorneys handling baby formula NEC lawsuits are offering free case reviews to help parents determine whether they may qualify for financial compensation or settlement benefits.

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