Arsenic Testing Proves Organic Baby Formula Safe

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The manufacturer of the nation's first organic baby formula today announced findings from independent laboratory tests that refute recent allegations its products may have contained high levels of arsenic.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120305/CL64361 )

The testing, conducted by FDA-recognized laboratory Applied Speciation, found formula products manufactured by Nature's One, Inc. fall more than 20% below all world standards for rice-based foods fed to infants and children.  Arsenic is essentially found in all drinking water, food, infant formulas and even breast milk.  The U.S. only regulates arsenic in water at this time.

"While we are pleased with the results of the testing," said Nature's One CEO Jay Highman, "we will continue to make sure our products have the lowest possible amounts of any known food contaminants that may negatively impact a baby's developmental health."

Nature's One baby formulas were brought under national scrutiny following a published study in Environmental Health Perspectives which centered on arsenic, organic foods and brown rice syrup. Nature's One uses organic brown rice syrup as a source of carbohydrate in its organic baby formulas.

Highman said the study, headed by a research associate professor at Dartmouth College, "was flawed in its testing methodology which may have contributed to their exaggerated levels of arsenic." He also said, "The researchers failed to use the FDA-certified testing method for rice or use a quality control material standard reflecting the high sugar content of organic brown rice syrup."  Highman believes this may have contributed to errors in the study.  Nature's One submitted its products to a laboratory where scientific experts in arsenic testing utilized the most advanced technology and methodologies.   

"Nature's One will continue using organic rice syrup for its known healthful benefits in baby nutrition now that independent test results prove it is absolutely safe." Highman added, "We will remain dedicated to our search for the safest possible ingredients to use in all of our products. We want our customers to rest assured they are giving their children the best, most nutritional and safest products possible."

For complete details on the independent testing and data, go to www.NaturesOne.com/brown-rice/.

Contact: Karla Highman
Office: 740-657-6446

SOURCE Nature's One, Inc.