Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a significant initiative aimed at reviewing infant formula ingredients, marking the first thorough evaluation since 1998. They called the inspection Operation Stork Speed. It is key to Kennedy’s broader agenda, “Make America Healthy Again,” to overhaul the U.S. food supply to one that promotes health and wellness.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is playing a leading role in this effort. It sets out to change the current standards and practices governing the use of infant formula in the United States. This review comes at a very timely and needed moment. In the U.S., nearly three-quarters of infants strongly rely on formula during their first six months, and close to 40% rely on it as their exclusive source of nourishment.
Kennedy’s announcement in March reflected the administration’s commitment to providing all infants with the safest, highest-quality formula, safe from contamination. The FDA’s review will include all aspects of formula production, even laying out what ingredients are used. Just in the past few years, the majority of U.S. formulas have added these seed oils. It’s a real issue for parents who consistently see these products compared to their European counterparts.
In fact, federal guidelines suggest that babies be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of life. From there, breastfeed as you introduce solid foods, per usual guidance. With increased formula use, many parents have felt compelled to seek out an alternative. They especially love choices perceived to be healthier from European markets.
To continue advancing this conversation, the FDA will be holding a two-hour roundtable on infant formula this Wednesday. The deadline for public comments on Operation Stork Speed is September 11th. This provides stakeholders the opportunity to inform the process with their perspectives.
Dr. Steven Abrams, a key leader in the scientific community, recognized the value of this thorough review. He stated, “No shortcuts are possible and no one review, white paper or even committee report will suffice to do it right.” His remarks underscore the complexity of infant nutrition and the need for a comprehensive review.
Dr. Abrams also noted that recent advancements in science warrant a reevaluation of existing FDA regulations. “There’s been a lot of science and we want the FDA rules to align with the most recent science from around the world.” He cautioned against viewing differences between U.S. and European formulas as a matter of superiority, asserting that “the differences between the U.S. and Europe should not be considered as ‘higher’ or ‘better’ or ‘greater’ in one vs. the other.”
To advance the safety and nutrition of infant formula products, the FDA is initiating Operation Stork Speed. This call to action is meant to help out the families that rely on these critical products. Kennedy stated, “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.”
Bridget Young, another expert in the field, suggested that it may be time for the FDA to consider international harmonization in its regulations: “Maybe it’s time for them to relook at their regulations and consider potential international harmonization.” This realization is further reflected in a recent call from experts around the world for global standards to improve infant nutrition across national boundaries.
The scientific community is united behind this initiative, understanding that it’s critical to update formulas to reflect the most current research and public health standards. All stakeholders are very eager, as these discussions are occurring and public comments are being received. They look forward to Operation Stork Speed resulting in major improvements to the safety and quality of infant formula produced within the United States.
