Even though the Food and Drug Administration promised stronger oversight of baby formula safety, a new Consumer Reports investigation found heavy metals in over half the infant formulas it tested. As the mother of a five month old who I feed formula, this is deeply upsetting.

The U.S. has no federal limits on arsenic in baby formula, and over half of formulas tested had a concerning amount of arsenic detected. There was also lead found in three of the powdered formulas and “forever chemicals” detected in over a quarter of the formulas tested.

As a mother who’s not able to breast feed, formula has been my baby’s only source of nutrition. Needless to say, it’s critical for her health. 

Consumer Reports' manager of food safety research and testing said that repeated exposure to these contaminants can cause negative health consequences for babies. I need to be able to trust that the products I rely on to feed my baby are actually safe.

Not only are there no limits on heavy metals in baby formula, but manufacturers aren’t required to test for them. This isn’t acceptable.

The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act is bipartisan bill currently before Congress that would strengthen FDA oversight of infant formula safety by requiring stronger testing and faster reporting of contamination by manufacturers. 

I’m calling on Congress to pass this bill, but that’s not all. I’m also calling on the FDA to establish enforceable limits and mandatory testing for heavy metals in infant formula.

Parents shouldn’t have to wonder whether their baby’s first and only source of nutrition is being tested for dangerous substances. Sign to demand Congress and the FDA ensure that infant formula in the United States meets the highest possible safety standards.