The California Department of Public Health/WIC has received questions about the Consumer Reports article dated March 18, 2025, about lead and arsenic in infant formulas.
USDA and FDA Infant Formula Safety and Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates infant formula to make sure it’s safe and of good quality. If a formula is unsafe, the FDA takes immediate action to remove it from the market. As a result of the article mentioned above, the FDA has not determined that any infant formulas currently available in the U.S. are unsafe or require market removal.
The United States Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Services (USDA/FNS) oversees WIC and follows FDA rules for infant formula and food safety. These rules shape policies, guidance, and nutrition education for nutrition education programs. The FDA recommends a balanced diet to stay healthy and avoid risks from eating too much of any one food.
WIC is in close communication with the USDA/FNS and will share updated guidance as more information becomes available.
WIC recommends that families concerned about their infant formula talk about this with their pediatricians.
Resources:
Tips for reducing exposure to heavy metals:
- Breastfeed, if possible, to reduce exposure. A Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or Lactation Consultant can help increase breastfeeding. Call (888) 278-6455 to get breastfeeding support and schedule an appointment at a WIC breastfeeding clinic.
- Do not make your own baby formula or offer alternative beverages in place of breastmilk or formula.
- Offer a variety of foods, including varying infant cereals like oatmeal or multigrain.
- Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, including waiting until 12 months to introduce fruit juice and offering different types of juice.
- Make healthy fish choices such as light tuna (solid or chunk), salmon, cod, whitefish, and pollock.
- Check your tap or well water for heavy metals. Reach out to your local health department for more information.
- Keep the test results from the article in perspective. Environmental pollutants are found in many foods and are not limited to just baby food and formula.
