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Study Finds Contaminants in Milk, Urges Further Research

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

McGill University researchers analyzed 594 milk samples collected in 2018–2019 from Canada and South Africa, finding traces of pesticides, antimicrobials, and plastic additives.
The study linked bisphenol A and bisphenol AF to altered growth in South African infants, but researchers caution that the findings require replication.
Breast milk remains essential for infant nutrition and antibodies despite the detected contaminants, and the study calls for understanding exposures during critical developmental periods.

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Story summary

McGill University researchers analyzed 594 milk samples collected in 2018–2019 from Canada and South Africa, finding traces of pesticides, antimicrobials, and plastic additives.
The study linked bisphenol A and bisphenol AF to altered growth in South African infants, but researchers caution that the findings require replication.
Breast milk remains essential for infant nutrition and antibodies despite the detected contaminants, and the study calls for understanding exposures during critical developmental periods.