Overview

• The FDA convened a two-hour roundtable on June 4 under “Operation Stork Speed,” marking the first in-depth ingredient review since 1998.
• Officials will increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants and seek data on whether required nutrients should be added, removed or adjusted.
• Experts are urging the agency to align U.S. formula standards with the latest global research and consider harmonizing benchmarks like iron levels with European rules.
• Families, manufacturers and government agencies have until September 11 to submit feedback as the agency undertakes its comprehensive review.
• About 75% of U.S. infants use formula in their first six months, with 40% relying on it exclusively, highlighting the review’s stakes for early nutrition.