(NewsNation) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Food and Drug Administration, are tightening the reins on infant formula contamination, the departments announced on Tuesday.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading the effort, dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” to “ensure the ongoing quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience” of infant formula in the U.S.
The “Make America Healthy Again” representative met with top infant formula manufacturers on Tuesday, according to an X post from HHS. He spoke with chief executives from Similac maker Abbott Laboratories, Enfamil producer Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, Bobbie Baby Inc. and Perrigo Co.
The meeting comes after a Consumer Reports investigation found that about half of the 41 formulas it tested contained potentially harmful levels of arsenic, lead, BPA, acrylamide or PFAS. “Many infants” in the U.S. rely on infant formula for at least some of their nutrition, according to the FDA.
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Brian Ronholm, the nonprofit organization’s head of food policy, said it shared the findings with the administration prior to Tuesday’s announcement.
“It’s very encouraging to see the FDA issue this announcement immediately after Consumer Reports shared our findings about contaminants in infant formula,” Ronholm said.
Kennedy has previously spoken out about heavy metals in infant formulas, promising in a May 2024 X post, “When I’m in the White House, the FDA will be on top of this and we won’t have to rely on intrepid outside researchers to bring it to their attention.”
“We look forward to seeing the details of how they intend to implement the plan, and we hope the FDA is provided adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through on their promises.”
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According to the HHS and FDA’s joint press release, Operation Stork Speed will increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in both infant formula and foods for children.
It will also issue an information request about formula nutrients in hopes of completing the “first comprehensive update and review” of the product in decades.
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“The agency is also encouraging companies to develop new infant formulas and clarify opportunities to help inform consumers about formula ingredients,” a release announcing the operation said in part.
The initiative also aims to increase communication between companies and the FDA and with with consumers.
“The FDA will use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them,” Kennedy said in a statement.
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Another outlined goal is “collaborating with the National Institutes of Health and other scientific bodies” to get more research about formula’s effect on health outcomes.
Notably, the Trump administration attempted to slash the NIH’s grants for research institutions, though that move was temporarily paused by a federal judge in Boston.
Similarly, the FDA saw cuts in its probationary workforce back in February, losing workers in food safety, medical devices and tobacco products, among others. The HHS too has seen thousands of workers go since Trump took office.
