Is There Arsenic in Baby Formula?

The Short Answer

Yes, many popular baby formulas contain detectable levels of arsenic. Independent testing reveals that up to 80% of infant formulas test positive for this heavy metal.

The biggest culprits are dairy-free, hypoallergenic, and "sensitive" formulas. These specialized formulas often replace milk sugars with plant-based ingredients like brown rice syrup, which naturally absorbs arsenic from the soil. If your baby doesn't have a medical need for a specialized formula, sticking to a standard lactose-based cow's milk formula is the easiest way to lower their exposure.

Why This Matters

Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal, but it is also a known carcinogen. Even low levels of arsenic exposure can impact an infant's developing brain and immune system. Because babies consume formula as their sole source of nutrition, the cumulative exposure adds up quickly. Heavy Metals Baby Formula

The regulatory oversight for this is surprisingly weak. The FDA has no legal limit for arsenic in baby formula. While the EPA limits arsenic in municipal drinking water to 10 parts per billion (ppb), recent 2025 testing by Consumer Reports found several popular formulas blowing past that limit, hitting nearly 20 ppb. Is Formula Fda Regulated

This is why you can't just trust a premium brand name or a high price tag. Ironically, some certified organic formulas test higher for arsenic than conventional ones because they use organic brown rice syrup instead of standard Corn Syrup Baby Formula.

What's Actually In Baby Formula

Arsenic doesn't get added on purpose by manufacturers. It enters formula through specific plant-based ingredients.

• Organic Brown Rice Syrup — Rice absorbs 10 times more arsenic from soil and water than other grains. Formulas using this as a primary carbohydrate can contain 20 times more arsenic than lactose-based options. Is Organic Formula Worth It
• Soy Protein Isolate — Soybeans also aggressively pull heavy metals from the soil. Plant-based and soy formulas consistently test higher for both arsenic and cadmium. Is Soy Formula Safe
• Lactose — This is the natural sugar found in cow's and goat's milk. Because it comes from an animal rather than the ground, lactose is naturally low in heavy metals. Closest To Breast Milk

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Lactose as the primary carbohydrate — It is the safest and most natural energy source for babies.
• Clean Label Project Purity Award — This third-party certification means the formula was rigorously tested for heavy metals and toxins.
• European organic certifications — The EU has much stricter heavy metal limits for baby foods than the US. European Vs American Formula

Red Flags:

• Brown rice syrup or rice starch — These ingredients are the number one source of arsenic in baby food.
• Unnecessary "sensitive" labels — Unless your pediatrician recommends it, avoid dairy-free formulas that rely on plant syrups.
• Well water without testing — If you mix powder with unfiltered tap or well water, you might be doubling your baby's arsenic exposure. Tap Water Formula

The Best Options

If you want to avoid arsenic, choose a lactose-based formula with third-party purity testing.

The Bottom Line

1. Stick to lactose. — Standard milk-based formulas naturally contain less arsenic than sensitive options.

2. Check your water. — Using filtered water to mix your formula ensures you aren't adding municipal or well-water arsenic to the bottle.

3. Look for third-party testing. — Brands with the Clean Label Project Purity Award are holding themselves to a much higher standard than the FDA requires.

FAQ

Does buying organic prevent arsenic exposure?

No, and it can actually make it worse. Organic rice absorbs just as much arsenic from the soil as conventional rice. If an organic formula uses brown rice syrup as a sweetener, it will likely have much higher arsenic levels than a conventional formula.

Why do hypoallergenic formulas have higher arsenic?

To make a formula hypoallergenic, manufacturers have to remove cow's milk and lactose. They replace these milk ingredients with plant-based carbohydrates like rice or corn, which naturally harbor more heavy metals from the soil. If your baby requires these formulas, work with your pediatrician to find the safest option.

Should I get my water tested?

Yes, especially if you rely on a private well. Because formula powder is mixed with water, contaminated tap water can double a baby's total arsenic intake. Use a certified water filter or distilled water if you are unsure about your local supply. Boil Water Formula

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