Investigation of the levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in infant and young child formulas and health risk assessment in Türkiye.

Non-essential heavy metals pose health risks even at low concentrations in contaminated food. Complementary foods are widely used for infants and young children, often due to insufficient breastfeeding or unmet nutritional requirements. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in formulas for infants, babies, and young children (n = 51) sold in Türkiye and to assess the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the consumption of these products. The mean concentrations (ppb) were as follows: As (3.48), Cd (<LOD), Hg (4.68), Pb (10.42) in infant formula (n = 10); As (5.41), Cd (<LOD), Hg (0.90), Pb (10.55) in follow-on formula (n = 15); As (7.25), Cd (5.01), Hg (2.79), Pb (16.63) in baby food (n = 11); and As (5.20), Cd (<LOD), Hg (<LOD), Pb (10.84) in formula for medical purposes (n = 15). The mean concentrations of all metals in the tested formulas were below the legal limits set by regulations. The THQs for As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and HI values were all under 1, indicating that there are no non-carcinogenic health risks for girls and boys. Contaminants should be monitored at all process stages, and risk assessments should be conducted, including expanded contaminants and exposure scenarios.