FDA to increase testing for heavy metals in baby formula
How to limit babies' exposure to toxic heavy metals
Some popular baby foods have higher levels of toxic heavy metals than others. Charlotte Brody, the national director of Healthy Babies Bright Futures, discusses how parents can limit their children's exposure.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is stepping up its oversight of infant formula, including increased testing for heavy metals and other contaminants.
In a statement issued March 18 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA, officials announced a set of actions and initiatives focused on infant formula.
Here’s what to know:
FDA to increase testing for heavy metals in infant formula
What we know:
The new plan, called "Operation Stork Speed," includes a commitment by the FDA to increase testing for heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic – which could pose health risks for babies. The FDA is also set to begin the first "comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients" by the agency since 1998.
Additionally, the agencies said infant companies are being encouraged to work with the FDA "on any questions regarding increased transparency and clearer labeling."
The backstory:
A Consumer Reports investigation, which was also published on Tuesday, said it tested 41 types of powdered formula for a number of toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic, per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), bisphenol A (BPA) and Acrylamide.
It found that about half of the samples contained "potentially harmful levels of at least one contaminant." The other half of the samples showed low or no levels of concerning chemicals, according to the report.
Dig deeper:
These heavy metals are found naturally in the Earth's crust and are also released into the environment via pollution, seeping into water and soil used to grow food, according to the Academy of American Pediatrics. Metals can also get into food from food manufacturing and packaging.
Some of the most common metals that get into consumer food products include inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury, the FDA says. Toxic metal exposure can be harmful to the developing brain and has been linked with problems with learning, cognition and behavior.
Big picture view:
About 1 in 5 newborns in the U.S. start out with formula exclusively, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By 6 months old, 75% of babies supplement with formula – either exclusively or in combination with breast milk.
What they're saying:
"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," HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said in a statement. In a post on X, HHS said Kennedy met with CEOs of top infant formula manufacturers on Tuesday to discuss the new Operation Stork Speed plan.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports issued its own statement in response to the HHS and FDA announcement.
"It’s very encouraging to see the FDA issue this announcement immediately after Consumer Reports shared our findings about contaminants in infant formula," Brian Ronholm, head of food policy for Consumer Reports, said in a statement. "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."
The Source: Information used in this story was sourced from a statement published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on March 18, 2025, as well as a published report by Consumer Reports. It was reported from Cincinnati.