Consumer Reports study finds 50% of baby formulas contain potentially concerning chemicals—what parents need to know

If there’s one thing parents should never have to worry about, it’s the safety of the food they feed their babies. But a shocking new study from Consumer Reports (CR) reveals that about half of the 41 baby formulas tested contained at least one contaminant at levels that could pose health risks—including lead, arsenic, and PFAS—raising concerns for families who rely on formula to nourish their infants.

However, the study also found that many formulas contained little to no detectable contaminants, showing that safer options are available.

What did the study find?

CR’s investigative team examined 41 types of powdered formula, including Enfamil, Similac, Bobbie, and store-brand options, testing for heavy metals (arsenic, lead), PFAS (commonly known as “forever chemicals”), BPA, and acrylamide. The results showed:

• Approximately 50% of the formulas contained at least one contaminant at levels Consumer Reports considers concerning based on health-based exposure limits.
• Arsenic, a known carcinogen, was found in some formulas, with a few exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limit for arsenic in drinking water.
• Lead, which can impact brain development and behavior, was present in many formulas tested, but within the FDA’s Closer to Zero guideline for other baby foods.
• PFAS, linked to immune and developmental issues, was detected in some products, though the specific levels and health impact remain an area of study.
• BPA was detected in one formula (Enfamil Nutramigen).

It’s important to note that CR only tested powdered formulas in this study, meaning results may not reflect contaminant levels in liquid formulas. Parents who use ready-to-feed liquid formula may want to consult their pediatrician or check for additional testing data from manufacturers.

Related: The government is ramping up baby formula safety testing and supply—what parents need to know

The Consumer Report findings

CR identified both formulas with minimal contamination and those with higher levels. While some major brands ranked among the safest, others had certain formulas with elevated contaminants.

Top rated by Consumer Reports (in alphabetical order):

Aptamil

First Infant Milk*

Danone

Baby’s Only Organic

Complete Nutrition

Bobbie Baby

Bobbie

Organic

Bobbie Baby

Bobbie

Organic Gentle

Bobbie Baby

Bubs

Stage 1 Easy-digest Goat Milk

Bubs

Bubs

Stage 1 Organic Grass Fed

Bubs

Dr. Brown’s

GentlePro

Perrigo

Earth’s Best

Organic Dairy

Hain Celestial Group

Enfamil

A.R.

Mead Johnson

Enfamil

Enspire Optimum

Mead Johnson

Enfamil

Gentlease

Mead Johnson

Enfamil

NeuroPro Gentlease

Mead Johnson

HiPP

Dutch Organic Stage 1

HiPP International

Holle

Bio Organic Stage 1

Cornu Holding

Kendamil

Whole Milk

Kendal Nutricare

Kirkland Signature (Costco)

ProCare

Perrigo

Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)

Advantage Premium

Perrigo

Parent’s Choice

Advantage Premium

Perrigo

Similac

Advance

Abbott Nutrition

Up&Up (Target)

Premium

Perrigo

Formulas with higher levels of contaminants (listed alphabetically):

Dr. Brown’s

SoothePro

Perrigo

EleCare

Hypoallergenic

Abbott Nutrition

Enfamil

Nutramigen

Mead Johnson

Enfamil

ProSobee Simply Plant-Based

Mead Johnson

Kabrita

Goat Milk-Based

Ausnutria

PurAmino

Hypoallergenic

Mead Johnson

Similac

Alimentum

Abbott Nutrition

Similac

NeoSure

Abbott Nutrition

Similac

Total Comfort

Abbott Nutrition

Up&Up (Target)

Soy

Perrigo

The complicated picture for parents

One of the most frustrating aspects of the study is that, outside of Bobbie consistently ranking among the safest, many formula companies had products that landed in both the highest and lowest categories. For example, Enfamil and Similac—two of the most widely used brands—had formulas that ranked among the safest and some that contained higher contaminant levels. This inconsistency makes it even harder for parents to confidently choose a formula brand, as quality and safety appear to vary even within the same manufacturer’s product line.

Related: FDA warns parents about Crecelac infant formula—what parents need to know about the recall

Why are these chemicals in baby formula?

Contaminants like heavy metals and PFAS enter food through environmental pollution, soil, and even water used during manufacturing. While these substances are unfortunately common in many foods, the goal is to minimize exposure wherever possible.

The FDA responds

Shortly after CR shared its findings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to strengthen its oversight of the infant formula industry. The FDA plans to increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, though experts argue that federal regulation of baby formula contaminants still needs to be more stringent. Critics argue that the FDA has historically been slow to implement meaningful action, leaving parents in a difficult position.

Related: Recall issued on infant formula sold at CVS and H-E-B due to elevated vitamin D levels

How can parents protect their babies?

While parents can’t eliminate exposure to contaminants entirely, they can take steps to reduce their baby’s risk:

• Choose safer formulas: Some formulas had little to no detectable contaminants. CR’s study provides a list of the safest options so parents can make informed choices.
• Check water quality: If using powdered formula, ensure your water source is tested for contaminants like lead and arsenic. (CR experts recommend filtering tap water if necessary.)
• Support Stronger Regulations: Consumer advocacy groups are calling for stricter limits on contaminants in baby food. Parents can add their voices to the push for change.

Bottom line

Formula is an essential food for millions of babies, and it should be safe. While CR’s study identified formulas with concerning levels of contaminants, it also found many widely available options with low or non-detectable levels. This research is a wake-up call for both manufacturers and regulators to do better. Parents deserve transparency, accountability, and peace of mind when it comes to feeding their children.

Want to make a difference? Sign Consumer Reports’ petition urging the FDA to enforce stricter safety standards for infant formula. Because no parent should have to second-guess what’s in their baby’s bottle.