Heavy Metals in Baby Formula: What FDA Testing Found

The FDA tested 312 infant formula samples from 16 brands collected between 2023 and 2025 and found that the majority had undetectable or very low levels of heavy metals, which it says affirms the safety of the U.S. infant formula supply. The agency also says it is continuing to test and plans to set action levels for contaminants in infant formula, so the picture is reassuring but not finished.

This guide explains what the testing measured and found, what is still unsettled, and what parents can do. It is educational and does not replace your pediatrician's advice. If you are worried about your baby's formula, talk to your pediatrician before changing anything.

What the FDA tested

The FDA's infant formula testing results cover 312 samples: 278 powdered, 11 concentrated liquid and 23 ready-to-feed products, made with cow's milk (258), soy (44) or amino-acid-based (10) formulas. Samples were tested for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, and also for PFAS, pesticides and phthalates. The agency announced the results on April 29, 2026.

What it found

Levels are reported in parts per billion (ppb). According to the FDA:

• Lead: not detected in 20% of samples. The highest was 1.1 ppb, 95% of samples were below 0.5 ppb, and the median was 0.2 ppb.
• Arsenic: not detected in 6% of samples. The highest was 4.7 ppb, 95% were below 2.0 ppb, and the median was 0.5 ppb.
• Cadmium: not detected in 34% of samples. The highest was 1.5 ppb, 95% were below 1.1 ppb, and the median was 0.2 ppb.
• Mercury: not detected in 95% of samples. The highest was 0.3 ppb.

On the other contaminants, 99% of samples had no detectable pesticides, and five PFAS compounds were detected in some samples. The FDA's conclusion was that the majority of samples had undetectable or very low levels of contaminants.

What is still unsettled

Detecting a metal is not the same as a safe or unsafe level, and the FDA has not yet set action levels for contaminants in infant formula. It says it will do additional testing, keep engaging manufacturers on reducing levels, and work toward those action levels. The testing was part of Operation Stork Speed, an initiative launched in March 2025 that also reviews formula nutrients and labeling. Until action levels exist, the useful takeaway is that most products tested were low, not that every product is identical.

What parents can do now

• Keep feeding formula as directed. Many infants rely on formula for some or all of their nutrition, and the FDA's conclusion is that the supply is safe overall.
• Talk to your pediatrician before switching formulas, especially if your baby has a medical need for a specific type.
• Never make formula at home. The FDA strongly advises against it because recipes are not evaluated and may lack nutrients vital to growth.
• Prepare formula exactly as the label directs, use a safe water source (contact your health department if you are unsure about tap water), and do not feed formula past its “Use By” date.
• Check recalls. Our guide on how to check if baby food is recalled covers where to look.
• Vary what your baby eats once solids start. Our guides on judging baby food brands and baby cereal cover heavy metals in solid foods, including arsenic in rice.

What a label scan can and cannot tell you

Heavy metals are contaminants from the environment, not ingredients, so they never appear on an ingredient list and no barcode or label scanner can measure them. LabelBaby can read an infant formula's ingredient list, flag ingredients and allergens you set up, and check for recalls. It does not test for contaminants and does not replace your pediatrician. If you are comparing two formulas on ingredients, our Enfamil vs Similac comparison is a starting point.

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician before changing your baby's formula or feeding routine.