FDA to increase testing for heavy metals in infant formula, RFK Jr. says
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to enhance its testing for heavy metals in infant formula and review the nutrients required in products used to feed millions of babies. This initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aims to ensure the safety and quality of infant formula products that are essential for the health and well-being of infants and young children.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of making sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for families and children who rely on them. The FDA will utilize all available resources and authorities to uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in infant formula products.
As part of this effort, the FDA will conduct a comprehensive examination of the nutrients used in infant formula and increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner expressed the agency’s commitment to providing caregivers with the confidence that infant formula products are safe, consistent, and contain essential nutrients for promoting health and well-being during critical stages of development.
The announcement comes in response to concerning test results released by Consumer Reports, which found potentially harmful chemicals in half of the infant formula products tested. These chemicals included acrylamide, arsenic, BPA, lead, and PFAS. The FDA’s commitment to enhancing testing and monitoring of infant formula products is crucial in light of these findings to ensure the safety and quality of these products.
In 2022, families across the U.S. faced shortages of baby formula following FDA inspections that revealed bacteria linked to two infant deaths at Abbott’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan. The temporary closure of the factory led to supply issues for parents who rely on formula for their infants. Approximately one in five newborns in the U.S. start on formula, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and availability of these products for families nationwide.
Moving forward, it is essential for the FDA to provide adequate resources and staffing to implement these initiatives effectively. The health and well-being of infants and young children depend on the safety and quality of infant formula products, and the FDA’s commitment to enhancing testing and monitoring is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of these essential products.
