Hanover, N.H. - A new study shows levels of arsenic in some baby formulas.
Dartmouth University researchers said the cancer-causing compound has been found in some organic toddler formulas, as well as some organic cereal bars and high energy foods.
The arsenic is linked to organic brown rice syrup, a sweetener used in the products.
“Many organic companies are moving away from high fructose corn syrup and substituting the organic brown rice syrup as a sweetener,” says ABC News Chief Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser. “We know that rice is one of those foods that could concentrate arsenic, especially brown rice.”
The study didn't name the toddler formula brands. ABC News has learned that the two tested formulas with the highest levels of arsenic were Baby's Only Organic Dairy Toddler Formula and Soy Toddler Formula made by Nature's One Inc.
“In the long term, we know that arsenic causes many medical problems including skin changes, skin cancer, other types of cancer and nerve damage so we really want a minimize that, especially in a developing child,” says Dr. Besser.
In a statement, the company says their product is safe.
“I think they should make sure everything they’re putting in there is healthy and do research on it things like that,” says new grandparent Lynn Bolton. “Test it before they put it out on the market.”
In the Dartmouth study, 22 out of 29 cereal or energy bars also tested positive for high levels of arsenic. Organic brown rice syrup was also listed as a primary ingredient in these foods.
The comprehensive list of the brands tested in the study has not been released.
