Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and availability of infant formula in the United States.
The plan, dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” seeks to improve testing for contaminants and evaluate the nutritional content of baby formula, addressing long-standing concerns about the fragility of the formula supply chain.
Infant formula is a highly regulated product with a complex manufacturing process, making its supply chain particularly susceptible to disruptions. The US experienced a severe shortage in 2022 following a major recall and temporary shutdown of an Abbott manufacturing facility. The FDA has since introduced measures to increase market resilience, including extending a policy that allows individuals to import formula for personal use.
Kennedy’s initiative will build upon these efforts by launching a review of formula nutrients and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. The FDA is set to issue a request for information in the coming months as part of this review.
In response to growing concerns about contaminants in baby formula, the FDA will expand its testing protocols. This move follows a recent Consumer Reports investigation that found varying levels of heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, in some infant formulas. While most tested products met safety standards, the findings underscored the need for continued monitoring.
To further strengthen research in this area, HHS will collaborate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore the health impacts of formula feeding and identify potential gaps in current scientific understanding.
The initiative has drawn responses from both formula manufacturers and consumer advocacy groups. Abbott, one of the largest formula producers, stated that its products meet regulatory safety standards and that trace levels of heavy metals found in formulas are naturally occurring in the environment. Other major manufacturers, including Mead Johnson (Enfamil), also emphasized their commitment to safety and compliance with international regulations.
Consumer Reports welcomed the increased oversight but called on HHS to ensure the FDA has adequate resources to enforce safety measures. Experts advise parents not to panic over the findings but recommend consulting pediatricians if they have concerns about formula safety.
