At L. Severson Photography, we spend a lot of time with babies — and their parents. We see firsthand how much love and thought goes into every decision you make for your little one. That’s why we wanted to share some important findings from a recent Consumer Reports investigation into baby formula safety.
Consumer Reports recently tested 41 of the most popular powdered baby formulas on the market — and the results are worth knowing about.
What They Found
The investigation looked for arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide, and PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”) across major brands like Enfamil, Similac, Bobbie, and popular store brands from Costco, Target, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. About half of the samples contained potentially harmful levels of at least one contaminant — but the other half showed low or no levels of concerning chemicals, meaning there are many good options available.
Arsenic was the most alarming finding. Abbott Nutrition’s EleCare Hypoallergenic had the highest inorganic arsenic level at 19.7 parts per billion, and Similac Alimentum came in second at 15.1 ppb — also made by Abbott. For comparison, the EPA limits arsenic in drinking water to 10 ppb. In all, seven of the 41 formulas exceeded Consumer Reports’ hazard threshold for arsenic, and two more came very close.
Lead was found in nearly all formulas tested. Lead exposure has been linked to ADHD, behavior problems, and lowered IQ. The good news: all levels were below the FDA’s current guidance. The concern, however, is that formula isn’t a baby’s only potential source of lead — household dust, soil, and tap water can all contribute too.
BPA and acrylamide were detected in only one formula — Enfamil’s Nutramigen. The other 40 formulas contained no BPA or acrylamide, which experts called a real improvement compared to where the industry stood a decade ago.
PFAS were found in trace amounts in many formulas, though Consumer Reports noted that the compounds found were less understood than the well-known “legacy” PFAS chemicals, and more research is needed.
The Good News
This study is not a reason to panic. Mercury was not detected in any of the formulas, and cadmium was found at such low levels that Consumer Reports’ experts did not find it concerning.
Several formulas performed very well across the board, earning “Top Choice” recognition. Brands like Bobbie Organic, Enfamil NeuroPro, Similac Advance, Earth’s Best Organic Dairy, HiPP Dutch Organic, Holle Bio Organic, and store brands like Kirkland Signature (Costco), Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club), Up&Up (Target), and Parent’s Choice (Walmart) Advantage Premium all showed low or undetectable levels across all contaminants tested.
“We really want these results to be empowering for parents,” said Sana Mujahid, PhD, CR’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.”
What You Can Do
- Check the list. If you’d like to see the full report and find out where your baby’s formula ranks, visit Consumer Reports at consumerreports.org.
- Talk to your pediatrician before switching formulas, especially if your baby has sensitivities or reflux.
- Use clean water. If you have a well, get your water tested for heavy metals and PFAS before using it to mix formula. If you have concerns about your local water, consider using bottled water or investing in a filtration system.
- Never make homemade formula. Even with the best intentions, it’s nearly impossible to safely replicate the nutritional balance your baby needs.
A Note on the Bigger Picture
Together, Abbott, Mead Johnson, and Perrigo make up 79 percent of the U.S. formula market — which means the choices these companies make have enormous consequences for millions of families. Consumer Reports shared its findings with the FDA, and the FDA announced a new initiative to strengthen its oversight of the formula industry, including increased testing for heavy metals and other contaminants.
As parents, you deserve to know what’s in your baby’s food. As photographers, we’re privileged to capture the earliest moments of your child’s life — and we’re rooting for every one of them to thrive.
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