Bisphenol-A in Infant Formula: A Bigger Concern Than You Think

Lately all eyes have been on bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby products, specifically in baby bottles and sport bottles. However we need to pay attention to other areas where we come into contact with BPA.

Far more leeching of BPA occurs in ready-to-serve canned liquid formula than in baby bottles. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the FDA, testing has shown that the BPA that leaches into formula and other canned goods subjects babies and pregnant women to harmful exposure. The EWG has calculated that 1 out of 16 children fed ready-to-eat formula from steel cans have exposures to BPA that exceeds doses which are harmful in animal studies. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has also expressed concerns about infant exposure to BPA. A panel of 38 BPA experts expressed grave concerns related to human exposure to BPA that are at or above levels that have caused harm in animal studies. The Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR) has concluded that brain development and behavior can have adverse affects when there is infant exposure. This suggests that parents should avoid exposure to BPA until there is futher information.



According to the EWG's Formula Buying Guide

1. Your first choice should be powered formula in a can with as little metal possible, such as the brands listed below

Better: Nestle, Enfamil, and Similac powdered formula

(BPA is in the top and bottom of the can).

Good: Earth's Best and Bright Beginnings powdered (BPA in the entire can).

Avoid: All liquid ready-to-eat formula in metal cans.

2. Second choice: concentrated liquid formulas

View the EWG's full report on BPA in infant formula here and print there printable PDF. Just because the FDA deems BPA safe does not mean that it is; recent studies have suggested that there is "some concern" read this related article on the review of how the FDA has been handling BPA in baby products.