Are plastic-lined baby formula cans releasing chemicals?
Caution is advised. Peer-reviewed research indicates that processed infant formulas contain measurable levels of heavy metals, which can originate from the manufacturing and packaging process.
What's actually in it
The inside of many metal formula cans is coated with a plastic lining to prevent the metal from touching the food. While these linings are designed to protect the formula, they are part of a complex industrial process that can introduce contaminants. Recent peer-reviewed research shows that processed baby foods and infant formulas often contain heavy metals.
These substances do not belong in a baby's diet. When you use formula from a metal can, you are relying on a system where the product is heavily processed and stored in contact with industrial materials for long periods.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Nutr Rev performed a scoping review of infant formulas worldwide. It confirmed that processed formulas contain concentrations of heavy metals that require close attention.
Additionally, a 2026 study in Food Chem focused on estimating the daily intake of these toxic metals from various baby foods and formulas. The science is clear: these contaminants are present in the final product that ends up in your baby's bottle. Because these metals can accumulate in the body, the source of the formula and its packaging matters.
The research at a glance
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