A test was recently conducted by Consumer Reports to test a total of 41 types of baby formulas to check whether they contain several toxic chemicals, such as lead, arsenic, BPA, PFAS, and acrylamide or not. Many established brands, including Similac and Enfamil, along with newer brands like Bobbie were part of the test.
Results showed that about half of the tested samples contained at least one toxic chemical at a potentially harmful level. However, the other half of the tested samples displayed low levels of concerning chemicals or no levels of toxic containment. Per the list released by Consumer Reports, the baby formula brands that need to be avoided include – Dr. Brown’s
SoothePro, Enfamil Nutramigen, EleCare Hypoallergenic, and many more.
Which baby formulas were found to include lead and arsenic?; How are the FDA working to resolve the baby formula incident?
The recent results of the Consumer Reports test showed that several brand’s baby formula products include harmful chemicals like lead and arsenic. The list of these baby formulas is given below –
- Enfamil Nutramigen
- Dr. Brown’s SoothePro
- EleCare Hypoallergenic
- Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based
- PurAmino Hypoallergenic
- Kabrita Goat Milk-Based
- Similac Alimentum
- Similac Total Comfort
- Similac NeoSure
- Up&Up (Target) Soy
Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA decided to strengthen its testing method to look for toxic metals in baby formulas. They will also review the nutrients needed in the products people use to feed their babies.
On March 18, the agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or HHS declared it. Per CBS News, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of HHS, stated, “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.”
Meanwhile, Sara Brenner, the Acting FDA Commissioner also gave a statement on the issue. Brenner said the FDA wants to ensure that mothers and caregivers “have confidence that these products are safe.” These infant formulas must include “the nutrients essential to promote health and wellbeing during critical stages of development and life,” added Brenner.
