Can infant formula contain microplastics and BPA from its packaging?

What's actually in it

Infant formula comes in plastic tubs, cans with plastic linings, or pouches. These containers are made from polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Over time, tiny plastic particles break off the packaging and end up in the powder or liquid inside.

On top of the plastic bits, the packaging can also release bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate esters. Both are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormones even at very low doses. Babies are especially vulnerable because their organs are still developing and they consume a lot of formula relative to their body weight.

What the research says

A 2025 study in Environ Res tested popular infant formula brands and found microplastic particles in every single sample. The most common plastic types were polypropylene and polyethylene, which match the materials used in formula packaging.

The same study detected BPA and several phthalate esters in the formula samples. Researchers ran a risk assessment and found that while individual chemical levels were below regulatory limits, the combined exposure from drinking formula multiple times a day adds up fast for a small baby.

Babies fed exclusively on formula could be swallowing thousands of microplastic particles per day. Their low body weight means each particle carries a bigger dose relative to their size. The study's authors flagged this as a concern that current safety testing doesn't account for, since regulations look at single chemicals rather than the full mix babies actually consume.