Testing Results
Baby Formula Toxic Metals Results
Moms Across America, GMOScience, and The New MDS tested 40 baby formula samples for toxic heavy metals. What we found should alarm every parent — and every lawmaker.
Study Overview
In a collaborative effort between Moms Across America, GMOScience, and The New MDS, 40 baby formula samples from 20 brands were submitted to independent accredited laboratories for comprehensive toxic metal analysis. The formulas tested included popular conventional brands, organic options, and specialty formulas including goat’s milk and soy-based products.
The results paint a troubling picture: every formula on the market exposes infants to toxic metals during the most critical period of brain development.
40
Samples Tested
20
Brands Analyzed
5
Toxic Metals Screened
Contamination Results
Percentage of baby formula samples testing positive for each toxic metal.
Aluminum & Lead
Every single formula sample contained detectable levels of both aluminum and lead.
Exceeded EPA Lead Limits
Four out of five formulas exceeded the EPA allowable level of lead in drinking water (15 ppb).
Contained Arsenic
More than half of all samples tested positive for arsenic, a known carcinogen.
Contained Mercury
Over half of formulas contained mercury, a potent neurotoxin especially dangerous for developing brains.
Contained Cadmium
More than a third of samples contained cadmium, linked to kidney damage and bone loss.
Most Alarming Findings
6 of 20
Formulas Contained All Five Toxic Metals
Six formulas tested positive for aluminum, lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium — exposing the most vulnerable population to a cocktail of neurotoxins.
41,000 ppb
Aluminum in One Goat's Milk Formula
A single goat's milk formula sample contained 41,000 parts per billion of aluminum — a staggering level that far exceeds any reasonable safety threshold for infant consumption.
Best & Worst Performers
Highest Contamination
- •Goat’s milk formulas showed highest aluminum levels (up to 41,000 ppb)
- •Soy-based formulas had highest lead concentrations
- •Several major national brands contained all five toxic metals
- •Store-brand generics performed as poorly as name brands
Lowest Contamination
- •Select organic brands showed lowest overall toxic metal burden
- •European-manufactured formulas generally tested lower for lead
- •Grass-fed dairy-based formulas had fewer total metals detected
- •No formula tested was completely free of toxic metals
Our Babies Deserve Better
The Baby Food Safety Act currently sets limits on toxic metals in baby food — but infant formula is excluded from these protections. Formula is the sole source of nutrition for millions of babies in their most vulnerable months of brain development.
We urge Congress to amend the Baby Food Safety Act to include infant formula, setting strict limits on aluminum, lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium in every product designed for our youngest children.
Take Action
Contact your representatives and demand that baby formula be included in the Baby Food Safety Act.
Sign the PetitionShare These Results
Every parent deserves to know what’s in their baby’s formula. Help us spread the word and demand change.