CDC finds contaminates in baby formula

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) - Kevin McGrath of West Springfield has a four year old daughter and says he believes breast feeding children is the best way to go. But for all those parents who do formula feed their children, you may want to listen up.

The U.S. Center for disease control and prevention found traces of a chemical used in rocket fuel in samples of powdered baby formula. The CDC looked for the chemical perchlorate in different brands of powdered formula. Perchlorate contamination, usually associated with defense and aerospace sites, has been known to affect thyroid function.
 

The government requires that formula contain iodine, which counteracts the perchlorate effects. The study showed the largest amounts of the chemical were found in formulas derived from cow's milk.