Search for Heavy Metals in Baby Formula Comes Up Mostly Empty

Large-scale infant formula testing conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that the overwhelming majority of samples weren’t contaminated with metals or pesticides.

The findings are positive for infant formula manufacturers, who were an early target of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to review food ingredients. Major manufacturers include Abbott Laboratories, Reckitt Benckiser Group, Perrigo and Bobbie Baby. The results weren’t identified by company.

“This testing — the first of its kind — reinforces that infant formula in the US is a safe option for parents and caregivers who rely on it,” the FDA’s food chief Kyle Diamantas said in a written statement. “We will continue working to drive contaminants to as low as possible through rigorous oversight.”

Kennedy plans to meet with executives of infant formula companies next month to discuss efforts to modernize the agency’s oversight of the critical product.

More than 300 samples were tested for contaminants that included lead, mercury, arsenic and pesticides. But the examination didn’t check for the types of contamination that have lead to major recalls in the last few years and a nationwide shortage.

ByHeart recalled all of its infant formula in November after babies who drank it were hospitalized with botulism. And in 2022, the U.S. experienced a baby formula shortage after infant deaths led Abbott to shut down a factory when inspectors found a dangerous bacteria. Companies have the responsibility to do their own testing for such bacteria.

The testing initiative is part of a plan crafted by the Department of Health and Human Services to modernize infant formula standards. Testing for contaminants was one portion, and an evaluation of required nutritional standards is forthcoming.

“These results affirm the safety of our current domestic supply,” an Abbott spokesperson said in a written statement.

Kennedy previously voiced concerns about the presence of heavy metals in formula products based on earlier testing by an anti-pesticide group.

“Toxic metals in your infant formula anyone?” Kennedy wrote in a 2024 social media post. “When I’m in the White House, the FDA will be on top of this. We won’t have to rely on intrepid outside researchers to bring it to their attention.”