FDA Announces “Operation Stork Speed” to Improve Infant Formula

THURSDAY, March 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) — In an effort to guarantee “the ongoing quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of the domestic infant formula supply,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a new program called Operation Stork Speed.

The program sets forth several actions and initiatives regarding infant formula: starting the nutrient review process, increasing testing for heavy metals and contaminants, encouraging companies to develop new formulas, and clarifying ways to better inform consumers about formula ingredients.

To begin the process, the FDA will issue a Request for Information in the coming months to start the first comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients by the agency since 1998. Following that, the agency will increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, both in infant formula and other foods consumed by children. The FDA will also extend the personal importation policy.

Formula companies will be encouraged to proactively engage with the FDA to address questions, focusing on increased transparency and clearer labeling practices. The agency will maintain open lines of communication with consumers and industry stakeholders and provide regular updates on significant developments.

Finally, the FDA will collaborate with the National Institutes of Health and other scientific organizations to address critical gaps in scientific research concerning the short- and long-term health outcomes linked to formula feeding during infancy and childhood.

“The FDA is deeply committed to ensuring that moms and other caregivers of infants and young children and other individuals who rely on infant formula for their nutritional needs have confidence that these products are safe, consistently available, and contain the nutrients essential to promote health and well-being during critical stages of development and life,” Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement. “Whether breastfed, bottle fed or both, the rising generation must be nourished in a way that promotes health and longevity over the course of their lives.”

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