FDA Launches Comprehensive Review of Infant Formula Ingredients
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initiates 'Operation Stork Speed' to reassess U.S. infant formula safety and nutritional standards for the first time since 1998.
Overview
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced 'Operation Stork Speed,' a comprehensive review of U.S. infant formula ingredients and safety standards, the first since 1998. The FDA will evaluate nutrients, contaminants, and align regulations with recent scientific findings. This initiative responds to longstanding calls for a reevaluation from the scientific community and aims to ensure the safety of formula, which is a primary nutrition source for many infants. The review will include public input and is expected to take at least a year to complete.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- The articles highlight a positive sentiment regarding the FDA's review of infant formula regulations.
- There is strong support from the scientific community for improving infant health standards.
- The potential benefits of aligning regulations with recent scientific findings are emphasized.
Articles (4)
Center (2)
"…Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the Food and Drug Administration to review the nutrients and other ingredients in infant formula, which fills the bottles of millions of American babies."
Chicago Tribune·1M·"…Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the Food and Drug Administration to review the nutrients and other ingredients in infant formula, which fills the bottles of millions of American babies."
Associated Press·1M·FAQ
Operation Stork Speed includes launching a comprehensive review of infant formula nutrients, potentially updating requirements to reflect the latest scientific research and evolving needs of healthy, full-term infants. The FDA is requesting information and data from stakeholders to determine what changes are needed[1].
The initiative will increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, aiming to ensure that infant formula meets higher safety standards. This is in response to independent testing that found some infant formulas with potentially harmful levels of certain contaminants.
The FDA is collecting public and industry input through a Request for Information, with comments due by September 11, 2025. The full review process is expected to take at least a year to complete, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit references and data to inform the process.
The review is prompted by longstanding calls from the scientific community for updates based on new research, as well as recent findings of contaminants and changing nutritional science. The goal is to ensure infant formula remains safe and nutritionally adequate for all infants.
The FDA is encouraging increased transparency and clear labeling, including regular communication with consumers and industry. This is intended to provide better information about ingredients, contaminants, and health outcomes associated with formula feeding[5].
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.