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By Sneha S K
(Reuters) - U.S. health agencies announced on Tuesday a set of actions and initiatives to ensure the quality, safety, nutritional adequacy and resilience of domestic infant formula supply.
The Food and Drug Administration outlined a set of plans named "Operation Stork Speed," which includes initiating a nutrient review process and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula, as well as encouraging companies to develop new infant formulas.
"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 U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
RFK Jr. has frequently talked about reducing chemicals in food and last week directed the FDA to revise safety rules to help eliminate a provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food ingredients are safe.
Non-profit consumer advocacy group, Consumer Reports, has found potentially harmful levels of arsenic and lead in some powdered infant formulas after testing 41 different types.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said they look forward to seeing how the FDA intends to implement the plan and hopes that the FDA "is provided adequate resources and staffing to actually follow through with these promises."
The FDA also said it is encouraging companies to work with the health agency on any questions regarding increased transparency and clearer labeling for infant formula.
These actions are to ensure a strong supply of the sole source of nutrition for formula-fed children remains available for the nation's most vulnerable populations, the agencies said.
In 2022, the United States faced a shortage of infant formula after Abbott Laboratories, the biggest U.S. supplier of powder baby formula, including Similac, recalled its infant formula products over complaints of bacterial infections in infants.
This led the FDA to restructure its food division after facing criticism for its slow response to the infant formula shortage.
(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
