Baby Formula Cans Have Chemical That Causes Reproductive Problems

January 1, 2008 —

An epoxy resin called "bisphenol A" used to line the cans of baby formula is present at an unsafe level and may cause reproductive problems in babies that show up years later. Liquid type formulas, such as Good Start, Similac and Enfamil (manufactured by Nestle, Ross-Abott and MeadJohnson), use bisphenol A in their cans.  According to a report  from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bisphenol A poses the most danger.

The EWG report states that all major manufacturers of liquid formula use the epoxy resin, and recommend that parents choose the dry powder form over the liquid as the liquid absorbs the chemical more easily. The chemical is used in many other products including water and food containers, and shatter-proof baby bottles. In 2006, San Francisco passed a ban on toys using bisphenol A. The chemical blocks testosterone and mimicks estrogen.

EWG advises parents to use formula that does not use bisphenol A, to buy it in plastic containers which use less of the chemical than cans. The organization also suggests using glass bottles for their baby formula, rather than plastic bottles (which contain the chemical). And finally parents can use formula that requires adding more water to it before using, as that dilutes the leached chemical.