The FDA is launching its first major review of infant formula ingredients in over 25 years under orders from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move, dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” aims to bring American baby formula in line with the latest global science and safety standards.
Key Facts:
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the FDA to review infant formula ingredients as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
- The initiative, called “Operation Stork Speed,” is the first major FDA review of formula since 1998.
- Roughly 75% of U.S. babies use formula in their first six months; 40% rely on it exclusively.
- The review will assess nutrients, testing for heavy metals, added sugars, seed oils, and international ingredient comparisons.
- Public comments on the review are open until September 11, and a roundtable discussion is scheduled this week.
The Rest of The Story:
Infant formula has been a staple in American households for decades, providing essential nutrition to babies whose families choose not to or cannot breastfeed.
The FDA mandates that formulas contain at least 30 specific nutrients, but scientific understanding of nutrition and digestion has evolved since the last regulatory update in 1998.
Health Secretary RFK Jr. announced the sweeping review in March, stating, “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.”
The effort aims to align FDA regulations with the latest science, including how babies absorb nutrients and how U.S. formulas compare with those made overseas.
Experts have long called for such a review.
Dr. Steven Abrams from the University of Texas said formulas today are safe but added, “We want the FDA rules to align with the most recent science from around the world.”
One potential focus is reducing iron levels and reassessing the presence of ingredients like DHA, human milk oligosaccharides, added sugars, and seed oils.
Commentary:
Secretary Kennedy is right to take this step.
If the FDA is truly serious about improving the health of America’s children, then it should begin at the bottle.
We don’t know for sure if today’s formulas are harming babies, but given what we know about Big Ag and Big Food’s influence, it would be naïve to assume every product is as clean and safe as advertised.
Many parents have voiced concerns about added sugars and seed oils.
Some formulas include complex sugars and omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk—but others don’t.
There’s no consistent standard, and that’s a big problem.
The 2022 formula crisis also showed that our domestic supply chain is fragile and poorly regulated.
Kennedy’s initiative may also expose a larger issue in U.S. food policy: outdated or industry-friendly regulations that persist for decades.
This review could be a template for reevaluating not just infant formula, but all processed foods marketed as “healthy.”
Formula should not be a battleground for nutritional shortcuts.
Babies deserve better, and families deserve to know what’s really in the products they rely on.
It’s encouraging to see HHS take on this task and with broad support from the scientific community.
The Bottom Line:
The FDA is finally taking a closer look at what goes into baby formula—a review long overdue.
With updated science, increased transparency, and potential reforms ahead, this initiative could lead to safer and more nutritious products for American infants.
We applaud Secretary Kennedy and the HHS for moving quickly to make formula better, safer, and smarter.
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