Can BPA from baby food can linings affect infant development?

What's actually in it

Processed baby foods and formulas are often stored in metal cans lined with plastic coatings. These coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, but they frequently contain chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) that can leach into the food. Once these chemicals get into the food, they enter your baby's system.

Beyond plastic-related chemicals, recent science shows that processed baby foods are frequently contaminated with toxic metals. These include elements like lead, arsenic, and mercury, which are often found in the ingredients themselves or introduced during the manufacturing process.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Food Addit Contam Part B Surveill examined toxic elements in baby foods across the US. The research found that these contaminants are widespread and directly linked to the specific ingredients used in the food. When you buy processed options, you are often buying a concentrated source of these harmful elements.

Another 2026 review in Nutr Rev analyzed heavy metal concentrations in baby foods and infant formulas on a global scale. The findings confirm that these products are a common source of exposure to heavy metals for infants during a critical window of development.

Furthermore, a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf highlights that early-life exposure to environmental chemicals can disrupt an infant's gut health and neurobehavioral development. While this study focused on herbicides, it underscores the broader scientific consensus: infants are uniquely vulnerable to chemical exposures that interfere with their growth and brain development.