La Crosse, WI (WXOW) - You might think you are being extra healthy when giving your child organic foods, but a new study says some toddler formulas contain arsenic.
Arsenic is a compound that may increase their risk of cancer.
Dartmouth University researchers say they've found unacceptably high levels of arsenic in some organic toddler formulas as well as some organic cereal bars and high energy foods.
The arsenic is linked to organic brown rice syrup, a sweetener used in the products in place of high fructose syrup.
ABC News Chief Health & Medical Editor, Richard Besser said, "Rice is one of those foods that concentrates arsenic from the soil. So what we need to understand is the use of these sweeteners in these kind of products."
The study didn't name the toddler formula brands, but ABC News has learned that the two tested formulas with the highest levels of arsenic were Baby's Only Organic Dairy Toddler Formula and Soy Toddler Formula made by Nature's One Inc.
The energy bars are less of a concern unless they make up a large part of your diet, but for children's formula, parents may want to avoid products that contain organic brown rice syrup as its top ingredient.
In a statement Nature's One said that its California- based supplier of organic brown rice syrup uses an independent lab to test its arsenic levels and assured parents that the products are safe.
