Heavy metals are in most baby foods, and microplastics turned up in every purée tested
Do this instead
- Rotate foods instead of serving the same one dailyBoth the FDA and Consumer Reports say variety is the best way to lower exposure.
- Swap rice cereal and rice snacks for oat, barley or multigrainRice absorbs arsenic. Puffs, rusks and bars tested higher than purées.
- Choose food not packed in plastic when you can, and don't heat food in plasticAll 15 purées tested had microplastics, and plastic chemicals showed up widely.
The short version
Heavy metals come from soil and water, so small amounts show up in most foods. Consumer Reports' newest tests in September 2026 found they've improved: 96% of baby foods were below its level of concern. But microplastics were in every purée it checked, including some in glass jars. Organic didn't consistently test better than conventional.
The evidence
In September 2026, Consumer Reports tested 48 baby foods from 11 brands. Lead turned up in 85%, cadmium in 80% and inorganic arsenic in 77%, but 96% were below its level of concern. Gerber Rice Cereal and Good & Gather Banana, Peach & Apricot Purée were above it for arsenic.[1]
All 15 purées tested for microplastics contained them, including pouches, tubs and a glass jar. Phthalates, a family of plastic chemicals, were found in 81% of products. Snacks like puffs, biscuits and bars had more heavy metals than purées.[1]
An earlier Consumer Reports round found worrying levels in about 68% of 50 baby foods, so levels appear to be improving.[2]
In January 2025 the FDA issued lead action levels for packaged baby food: 10 ppb for most fruits, vegetables and mixed foods, and 20 ppb for root vegetables and dry infant cereal. The levels are guidance, not binding limits.[3]
Spot an error or have newer test results? Email corrections@doctorsoni.ca and we'll review it. How we decide verdicts