Health authorities will be following claims made in a UK study that revealed some types of baby formula milk have 100 times more aluminium than breast milk.

Released last week, Prof. Chris Exley and his research team at Keele University found high levels of aluminium in 30 types of formula sold in the UK, including popular brands such as Aptamil, Cow and Gate and Hipp Organic.

The study, published in the journal BMC Paediatrics, called on the government to provide guidelines and take action by indicating a maximum allowable concentration in feeds.

However, the UK’s National Health Service pointed out that the study did not prove that these levels pose a threat to health.

All the formulas tested had aluminium levels within current health and safety regulations and the current assessment by the Food Standards Agency “is that current levels of aluminium in infant formula are safe”.

There has not been any recall or withdrawal in the EU of infant milk because of aluminium

While pointing out that breastfeeding was the healthiest way to feed babies, the NHS said current evidence suggested there was “nothing to worry about” using formula feeds “if you are unable or unwilling”.

When contacted, the Environment Health Directorate reiterated there were no legal limits or thresholds for the presence of aluminium in infant formula or in any other food.

Unless there was a “clear indication” that a hazard posed or could pose a risk to health through a sound risk assessment carried out by an expert scientific body such as the European Food Safety Authority, no withdrawals or recalls were foreseen.

“In the recent past, there has not been any recall or withdrawal in the EU of infant milk because of the presence of aluminium,” the directorate said.

Malta would be immediately informed of any recall since it formed part of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed – an information exchange network that operates 24/7 between all members of the network.

Notwithstanding the above, “Malta will be closely following up this matter through participation in the various committees at EU level,” the directorate said.