In a significant move to protect the health of infants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced increased testing for heavy metals in infant formula and a comprehensive review of key nutrients in these products. The new initiative, dubbed Operation Stork Speed, comes amid growing concerns over formula safety.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the agency’s commitment to safeguarding children. “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.

Kennedy recently met with senior executives from major formula manufacturers, including Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac, and Reckitt Benckiser, the company behind Enfamil, according to an HHS social media post.

As part of Operation Stork Speed, the FDA will intensify testing for contaminants such as heavy metals and will reevaluate nutritional standards for infant formulas to ensure they meet the evolving needs of infants during crucial stages of development.

"The FDA is deeply committed to ensuring that moms and other caregivers of infants and young children have confidence that these products are safe, consistently available, and contain the essential nutrients to promote health and wellbeing,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Sara Brenner.

The FDA’s announcement follows the release of a Consumer Reports investigation earlier this week, which found potentially harmful chemicals — including acrylamide, arsenic, BPA, lead, and PFAS — in nearly half of the 41 infant formula products tested. While some products had minimal or undetectable levels, the findings have raised fresh concerns.

"We look forward to seeing the details of how they intend to implement the plan, and we hope the FDA is providing adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through with these promises," said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.

Concerns over formula safety escalated in 2022 after FDA inspections uncovered bacteria linked to two infant deaths at Abbott’s Sturgis, Michigan plant. The facility’s temporary shutdown led to a nationwide formula shortage, leaving millions of families scrambling for alternatives.

With approximately one in five newborns in the U.S. starting life on formula, the FDA's latest measures aim to restore confidence and ensure the nutritional safety of this essential product for America’s youngest population.