A recent investigation has found microplastics in all of the baby food purees it tested, raising fresh concerns for parents — even as the same report brings encouraging news that heavy metal levels are dropping.
Consumer Reports analyzed 48 store-bought baby food products — including cereals, purees in pouches and jars, puffs, bars, teething biscuits, and juice — for contaminants like heavy metals and microplastics. The 11 brands it tested include Gerber, Earth's Best, Happy Baby, Good & Gather Baby (Target's store brand), and Parent's Choice (Walmart's store brand), among others.[1]
Here’s what this means for you and your baby.
What kind of contaminants were found in baby food?
Consumer Reports' investigation tested for four types of contaminants:
- Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic
- Plastic contaminants including bisphenols (like BPA) and phthalates, which are used to make plastic products work better
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka forever chemicals, which are used in cookware and other nonstick and water-repellent products
- Microplastics, or microscopic pieces of plastic that break off from larger plastic items
All 48 products were tested for heavy metals and plastic contaminants; 32 products were tested for PFAS; and 16 products were tested for microplastics. Consumer Reports set "levels of concern" for the heavy metals, plastic contaminants, and PFAS it tested based on regulatory limits set by organizations like the Food & Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.
The investigation found microplastics in 15 of the 16 products it tested — even in products with glass jars. The only product without microplastics was Gerber apple juice.
Consumer Reports measured the microplastic particles in micrometers (for context, 1 millimeter is equal to 1,000 micrometers), and found particles ranging in size from 15 to 500 micrometers. The testing measured how many total microplastic particles were found in each serving of the product, rather than how many micrometers' worth of microplastics were in the product overall.
The products with the most microplastics were:
- Parent's Choice Stage 1 Baby Food, Carrot: 814,589 particles per serving
- Gerber Organic Plant Protein Banana Berry and Veggie Smash Puree with Oats: 728,294 particles per serving
- Beech-Nut Stage 2 Turkey, Butternut Squash, Corn, Spinach Pouch: 680,295 microplastic particles per serving
Meanwhile, the products with the least amount of microplastics were:
- Gerber 100% Apple Juice: no particles
- Serenity Kids Organic Savory Veggies Pouch: 17,177 particles per serving
- Beech-Nut Stage 2 Pear, Banana & Raspberries Fruities Pouch: 47,091 particles per serving
Consumer Reports didn't set a level of concern for microplastics in the products it tested. That's because no one can say for sure what unsafe levels of microplastics are, since the research is limited and no regulatory agencies have set standards for microplastics in foods.
While the vast majority of the products tested didn't have concerning levels of plastic contaminants like BPA or phthalates, 81% did have at least one phthalate. Consumer Reports says this is concerning because current laws about safe phthalate levels don't match up with what current research says is actually dangerous. This means that even if the products met the legal standard for phthalate levels, they could still have unsafe levels of the contaminant. Research has shown that phthalates can mess with the body's hormones and interfere with growth and development.
And one of the products tested — Baby Mum-Mum Banana Gentle Teething Wafers — had unsafe levels of BPA, which may also interfere with the body's hormones.
The good news is, Consumer Reports found lower levels of heavy metals in baby food than previous tests. In 96% of the products tested, heavy metal levels were low enough that it wasn't a concern. The investigation also didn't find concerning levels of PFAS in any of the products tested.
Are microplastics harmful for babies?
The long-term effects of exposure to microplastics are still uncertain, but some research has found that microplastics could be connected to an increased risk of reproductive issues, gut inflammation, and immune system issues, among other complications.[2]
But much of the research is on animals, so the results may not apply to people. Plus, "the exact level of microplastics needed to cause this type of harm is not yet determined," says Kyle Monk, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
Still, experts are concerned about any level of microplastics in baby food because infants are more vulnerable than adults.
"There is still a lot of research being done in this area to determine the exact risk microplastics have on infants," Dr. Monk says. "But we do know infants remain the most vulnerable population."
There are a few reasons babies are more vulnerable to exposure to microplastics:
- Since babies' organs are still developing, they aren't as efficient as adults at filtering microplastics and other toxins.
- Babies have a faster metabolism than adults, so microplastics move through their systems more quickly, which can cause more damage.
- Babies eat and drink more for their size than adults do, so they end up taking in a bigger share of microplastics relative to their body weight.
Download the What to Expect app for tips and updates about your baby's safety — all backed by medical experts.
How can you limit your baby's exposure to microplastics?
The reality is that some exposure to microplastics is inevitable. They're everywhere — in drinking water, the air, and the soil food grows in.
"You won't be able to completely eliminate microplastics, but you can definitely minimize them," says Gina Posner, M.D., F.A.A.P., a board-certified pediatrician in Fountain Valley, California, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.
But that doesn't mean you should throw out all of your baby's store-bought food and only give them homemade. Experts with Consumer Reports say one of the best ways to reduce your baby's exposure to contaminants is by feeding them a varied diet. Rotating the foods your baby eats can limit exposure to certain foods that might have higher levels of contaminants.
These are more steps you can take to limit your baby's exposure to microplastics and other harmful chemicals, according to pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):[3]
- "Eat as much fresh food as possible," Dr. Posner says. Choose fresh or frozen produce over canned or processed when you can.
- Don't microwave anything in plastic containers.
- When possible, don't put plastic food containers in the dishwasher — the heat can cause the containers to leach more chemicals.
- Avoid plastics with the recycling codes 3, 6, and 7, unless they're also labeled "biobased" or "greenware," which means they were made from plants. Plastics with these codes specifically can contain phthalates and bisphenols.
- When possible, use plastic alternatives like glass, stainless steel, or bamboo.
- Wash fruits and vegetables in cold running water before eating.
- Wash your hands (and your baby's hands) with soap and water before you handle food or eat.
"Many babies also have exposure to microplastics from putting plastic toys in their mouths, so I would recommend wooden and chemical-free toys instead," Dr. Monk advises. "Look for packaging that says BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and heavy metal-free."
Dr. Monk continues, "I would stay away from polyester and synthetic clothing, as well," since polyester and some other synthetic fabrics (like acrylic and Spandex) are made from plastic.
It can be hard to hold all the worry that comes with wanting to protect your baby from a world full of potential dangers. But don't feel like you need to toss out all of your baby's toys and clothes. If your baby's favorite toys and PJs are plastic or polyester, don't fret — just try to replace them with safer options when you can.
"Focus on the things you can control," says Dr. Monk. "As more research is conducted in this area, I hope it brings about more environmental safeguards to protect our most vulnerable populations."
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