Overview
- FDA, which released results Wednesday, said an overwhelming majority of more than 300 formulas from 16 brands had undetectable or very low contaminant levels after testing for heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS, and phthalates.
- Key findings showed mercury was not detected in 95% of samples, 99% had no detectable pesticides, most PFAS compounds were not found, and detected heavy metals were well below EPA drinking‑water benchmarks.
- The survey covered powders, ready‑to‑feed liquids, and concentrates, and it is part of Operation Stork Speed and the FDA’s Closer to Zero program to cut contaminants in foods for babies.
- A small set of human milk samples showed most contained at least one detectable contaminant, with higher mercury than formula but still far below federal standards.
- The FDA will conduct follow‑up testing and work with manufacturers to lower levels further, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans a May roundtable, as experts urge enforceable limits the FDA has yet to set, unlike the EU, Canada, and Australia.