Arsenic Found In Baby Food: Report

Arsenic and lead were found in infant and baby formulas a study found Wednesday.

The study included over 500 baby food products and concluded that 65 percent of the products had detectable levels of arsenic within them. The nonprofit organization that orchestrated this study, the Clean Label Project, tested products purchased within a 5-month period and found other harmful chemicals.

Out of the numerous products tested such as infant formulas, baby cereals and toddler juices and drinks, 36 percent of products tested positive for lead, 58 percent for cadmium and 10 percent for acrylamide.

All of these chemicals have shown potential harm in baby's developmental process.

The study also concluded 60 percent of products that listed "BPA free," tested positive for the industrial chemical. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical compound used primarily for the making of certain plastics.

The Clean Label Project's mission is for the baby industry to become more transparent in their labels. Popular baby food companies such as Gerber, Enfamil and Parent's Choice all receive extremely low grades on the organization's website.

A Forbes article published in 2014, listed 11 different chemicals that affected baby's brain development, and both arsenic and lead were present on the list. The article was based on a study published in The Lancet Neurology and proved that change needs to happen.

"Because of the frequency with which these chemicals are present in our everyday lives – even banned ones – and the rising rates of developmental disorders in children, the authors say that urgent change should take place," the article read.

The Clean Label Project urges the public to demand better products and be a more conscious consumer. The organization set up an email list to be notified of further testing, and a petition to sign to bring awareness to the problem.