The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released results from the most extensive testing ever conducted on infant formula sold in the United States, finding that most products contain low or undetectable levels of chemical contaminants.
The study examined more than 300 samples representative of formula products widely available at retail, including powders, ready-to-feed liquids, and concentrates. Testing generated over 120,000 data points analyzing contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, various pesticides (including glyphosate and glufosinate), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates. The tests were conducted in FDA laboratories as part of routine food surveillance and the agency’s Operation Stork Speed under the Closer to Zero initiative.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., emphasized the results underscore the high safety standards met by the majority of infant formula products, while highlighting the agency’s commitment to transparency and manufacturer accountability. “Protecting our children’s health is nonnegotiable,” he said.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., described the findings as encouraging, noting the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve formula safety, innovation, and supply chain resilience for the millions of families dependent on formula.
Why it matters
The FDA’s thorough testing provides reassurance to parents and caregivers about the safety of infant formula amid concerns about chemical contaminants. Detecting only low levels of contaminants—often naturally occurring or introduced through environmental factors—helps maintain confidence in the U.S. formula supply and guides regulatory efforts to reduce contaminants further.
FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Kyle Diamantas highlighted the importance of trust for parents and indicated that the agency will continue to pursue stringent monitoring and reductions of contaminants through initiatives like Operation Stork Speed and Closer to Zero.
FDA’s ongoing efforts and future actions
The FDA announced plans to conduct additional testing, including for other contaminants, and collaborate with manufacturers to lower contaminants to as close to zero as possible. The agency is also developing formal action levels for contaminants in infant formula. Follow-up surveys and compliance sampling will continue, ensuring that formulas entering the market meet safety standards.
Looking ahead, Secretary Kennedy will convene a roundtable with executives from leading infant formula companies to discuss advancements in FDA oversight and further implementation of safety initiatives.
This comprehensive testing complements the FDA’s broader mission to protect public health by assuring the safety of food supplies through scientific rigor and transparent communication.
Sources
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