The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a new initiative named Operation Stork Speed. This initiative aims to expand options for safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for American families.
Under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the FDA is enhancing its efforts to ensure the quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of the domestic infant formula supply. "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," said Secretary Kennedy. He emphasized the importance of supporting families from birth as part of their mission to "Make America Healthy Again."
The FDA's actions include beginning a nutrient review process, increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, encouraging companies to develop new formulas, and clarifying opportunities for consumer information about formula ingredients. These steps aim to maintain a strong supply of nutrition sources for formula-fed babies and children.
Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner stated, "The FDA is deeply committed to ensuring that moms and other caregivers...have confidence that these products are safe, consistently available, and contain the nutrients essential to promote health." She highlighted the importance of nourishing infants in ways that promote long-term health.
The FDA plans several actions: initiating a comprehensive update on infant formula nutrients since 1998 through a Request for Information; increasing testing for contaminants; extending personal importation policies; encouraging transparency in labeling; maintaining communication with consumers and stakeholders; and collaborating with scientific bodies like the National Institutes of Health.
These measures demonstrate the FDA's commitment to ensuring that U.S. infant formula remains among the best globally in terms of safety and nutritional quality.
