FDA to review nutritional requirements for baby formula

Parents are now one step closer to getting more information about what's inside in their babies’ formula, thanks to a program dubbed Operation Stork Speed. 

The Food and Drug Administration initiative involves evaluating nutrients, increasing testing for foreign substances and requiring clearer labeling.

Experts like Steve Abrams, professor of pediatrics at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, said it's long overdue.

“The current guidance we have from formula dates back over 40 years for some of the nutrient requirements,” Abrams said. “So we've advocated in the scientific and medical community for a complete look at this for many years. Now is as good a time as any if done properly.”

Many parents want to know more information before buying baby formula.

“Well, I think it is really difficult for families,” Abrams said. “I used to call this 'chaos in the formula aisle' because you see all sorts of claims on labels. This one will make your baby smarter. This one will make your baby not have as much, you know, upset stomach or diarrhea or whatever.”

In 2022, several infants were sickened by powdered formula, triggering a recall and factory shutdown that led to a critical shortage. And in March, Consumer Reports tested 41 types of powdered formula for toxic chemicals such as arsenic and lead.

“While we did find some concerning results in some of the formulas, like low levels of arsenic and lead, we also found a wide range of brands that were better — options from big brands like Enfamil and Similac, smaller and newer ones like Bobby, and even some imported formulas,” said Lauren Kirschner, an investigative reporter with Consumer Reports. 

Next month, the FDA will convene a public panel as part of Operation Stork Speed. But, until then, Abrams shared his advice.

“The most important thing is to make sure it's an infant formula, not a toddler formula,” Abrams said. “Make sure it's a formula that's been imported properly into the United States, which you'll find that most major markets will be that way. And then really find one that your baby tolerates.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the top formula leaders earlier this year and advocated for providing more information to parents.

“Parents and others who rely on infant formulas should know what's in these products and how consuming them may impact their child's health,” Kennedy said.