Are microplastics in infant formula a health risk?

What's actually in it

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces that can end up in food and drink. These particles are not just inert bits of trash. They can carry harmful bacteria and act as a home for biofilms, which are layers of germs that can lead to infections like salmonellosis, according to a 2026 study in Environ Res.

Beyond the plastic itself, these materials can also contain heavy metals. When these particles enter the digestive system, they can release these metals into the body, as shown in a 2026 study in Environ Pollut. Because infants are still developing, their bodies are more sensitive to these exposures.

What the research says

The science is clear that children are at a higher risk from microplastic exposure. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found that children face a higher health risk from microplastics in the food web compared to adults. This is a major concern when considering the daily intake of formula.

Microplastics are also found in the air we breathe, which creates another pathway for exposure, according to a 2026 review in Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. Once these particles enter the body, they can cause emerging health risks that scientists are still working to fully understand, as noted in a 2026 study in Anal Methods. Given that infants consume formula frequently, minimizing their contact with plastic containers and tools is a necessary step to reduce this risk.