RFK Jr. Orders FDA to Conduct Full Review of Baby Formula
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ordered a full review of infant formula as a part of his broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. The new initiative directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reassess nutritional standards and enhance safety testing for baby formula, including screening for heavy metals and contaminants.
The review targets essential formula components like iron, docosahexaenoic acid, human milk oligosaccharides, added sugars and seed oils. Experts highlight the review’s timeliness in light of evolving nutritional science and differences between U.S. and European formula standards. Additionally, the 2022 formula shortage, which was triggered by contamination at an Abbot facility, exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, prompting calls for reform.
Kennedy has emphasized that the FDA will deploy all available resources and legal authority to ensure infant formula is “safe and wholesome” for American families. The agency is also seeking public input by September 11 to inform potential adjustments to nutrient levels and ingredient policies.
Despite concerns about recent HHS staffing cuts, including that of formula researchers, advocates for the review are calling for careful execution to avoid overregulation or parent confusion. Officials anticipate the review taking at least one year to complete.
For now, the FDA is reassuring families that FDA-approved infant formula is still safe for babies and advise against homemade or unregulated alternatives.
