Overview
Authors analyzed five milk-based infant formula brands sold in Mekelle, Ethiopia using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cadmium was not detected in any sample. Lead ranged from not detected to 0.103 mg/kg across brands. Estimated daily intake values for both metals were below regulatory safety limits (PTWI for lead: 25 µg/kg bw/week; PTWI for cadmium: 7 µg/kg bw/week). The findings indicate low acute health risk from these metals through infant formula consumption, though the authors note that regular monitoring remains critical given infants’ heightened susceptibility to metal absorption and effects.
Key numbers
| Infant formula brand | Cadmium (mg/kg) | Lead (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Infant formula B | ND | 0.103 ± 0.091 |
| Infant formula L | ND | 0.051 ± 0.058 |
| Infant formula M | ND | 0.016 ± 0.027 |
| Infant formula N | ND | 0.063 ± 0.065 |
| Infant formula P | ND | ND |
Limits of detection: Pb 0.008 mg/kg; Cd 0.0096 mg/kg.
Estimated daily intake (EDI) for lead at 6 months: 0.292–1.881 µg/kg bw/day (mean: 1.064 µg/kg bw/day). EDI for lead at 7–12 months: 0.173–1.112 µg/kg bw/day (mean: 0.629 µg/kg bw/day). JECFA tolerable daily intake for lead: 3.6 µg/kg bw/day; all measured values were below this threshold.
Methods
Dry-ashing digestion in a muffle furnace at 550°C for 3 hours followed by acid digestion in 70% nitric acid. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Varian AA240FS). Five grams of each formula analyzed in duplicate. Calibration curves constructed across five concentration points (R² = 0.998 to 0.9996). Matrix spike recovery: 95.5%–104.6%.
Implications
Provides direct-evidence cadmium and lead contamination data for milk-based infant powder formulas from an East African market. The non-detection of cadmium across all five brands strengthens the contamination profile for this metal in dairy-based formulas. Lead detections—although below safety thresholds—establish a baseline for prevalence and concentration range in this product category and geography. Relevant to Infant Formula Powder Dairy risk characterization and to certification standard-setting for milk-based infant formulas in African markets.
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