F.D.A. Releases Results from Major Infant Formula Safety Study
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA's "Operation Stork Speed," launched in March 2025, aimed to enhance the safety and quality of U.S. infant formulas by increasing testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
- Between 2023 and 2025, the FDA tested over 300 infant formula samples for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, pesticides, phthalates, and PFAS chemicals.
- The agency found contaminant levels to be low overall, declaring the formulas safe, a conclusion supported by external experts regarding heavy metals and pesticides.
- However, some experts expressed concern over the detected low levels of phthalates and PFAS, given their potential health risks and presence in the food supply and breast milk.
- Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana highlighted that while these chemicals are common, their presence in infant formula remains worrisome due to links with various health issues.
