We trust the baby formula brands we use to deliver safe, nutritious formula to those we care about most. But research has found there are tiny, potentially harmful chemicals lurking in popular baby formula brands like Nestlé’s Gerber.

Research commissioned by Friends of the Earth tested popular infant formulas from Gerber and other brands, and found they all contained potentially harmful nanoparticles. Experts worry that the safety of these tiny, engineered chemicals is poorly understood and that they are virtually unregulated.

Because of their infinitesimal size, nanoparticles are small enough to penetrate the skin, lungs, digestive system, and perhaps even the blood-brain barrier. And as their bodies rapidly develop, babies are particularly vulnerable to exposure to hazardous materials. It’s unacceptable for Nestlé to allow nanoparticles in baby formula when their safety is unproven.

Tell Nestlé to keep our babies safe and remove nanoparticles from its baby formulas.

Nanotechnology is rapidly growing, leading to increased use of nanoparticles in foods as nutritional additives, flavorings, and coloring. But the FDA has yet to implement significant regulations monitoring the use and safety of nanoparticles in food.  

Without FDA regulation or labeling requirements, consumers are ingesting nanoparticles -- and feeding them to their children -- without knowing it. Meanwhile, the European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that nano-hydroxyapatite, found in Gerber baby formula, is potentially toxic and shouldn’t be used in cosmetics like toothpaste, yet alone infant formula.  

Insiders say companies don’t want nanoparticles to turn into the next GMO battle. But like GMOs, we can’t allow brands we trust to subject us to untested ingredients. An industry shift towards nanoparticle labeling and recall can start with just one company. That’s why we’re calling on Nestlé to honor customers’ trust by removing untested nanoparticles from its baby formulas.