The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the nation's infant formula supply is safe after conducting its largest and most rigorous contamination screening to date. Between 2023 and 2025, the agency tested more than 300 powdered and liquid formula samples from 16 brands for heavy metals, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals. The results showed that nearly all samples contained undetectable or very low levels of contaminants, offering reassurance to millions of parents who depend on commercial formula for their infants (Source 1, 2, 3, 4).

What Did the FDA Actually Test For?

The FDA's Operation Stork Speed initiative, launched in March 2025, examined infant formulas purchased from stores and online retailers across the northeastern United States. The agency screened samples for a comprehensive list of potential contaminants that could harm developing infants (Source 1, 2).

• Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, which can impair brain development, learning, and attention in children and increase the risk of lifelong health problems including cancer and cardiovascular disease
• Pesticides: Glyphosate and glufosinate, with testing covering 318 different pesticide compounds across the samples
• Synthetic Chemicals: Phthalates (chemicals found in plastics) and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and the human body

All formula samples tested well below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union (EU) limits for heavy metals. Nearly 99% of samples were free of pesticides, with only three samples showing detectable pesticide residues (Source 1, 2, 3, 4).

Why Are Experts Concerned About Trace Chemicals?

While FDA officials characterized the findings as reassuring, some pediatric researchers expressed concern about the detection of synthetic chemicals, even at low levels. The distinction matters because phthalates and PFAS are not naturally occurring substances; they are entirely human-made and accumulate in the body over time (Source 1, 2).

"These chemicals are completely synthetic. The detection of some of these compounds at all is concerning," said Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrics professor at the University of Washington and the Seattle Children's Research Institute.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, Professor of Pediatrics at University of Washington

The FDA detected some phthalates and PFAS in the formula samples, though the agency characterized the levels as very low. However, Dr. Sathyanarayana emphasized that any detection of these compounds in products consumed by infants deserves scrutiny and continued monitoring (Source 1, 2, 3, 4).

Infants are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposures because their brains and bodies are still developing. They consume, breathe, and absorb more relative to their body size than adults, which means they take in higher amounts of contaminants and have less capacity to detoxify them (Source 2, 3, 4).

How Will the FDA Move Forward on Formula Safety?

The FDA announced plans to continue rigorous oversight of infant formula through several ongoing initiatives (Source 2, 3, 4).

• Expanded Testing: The agency will conduct additional testing for contaminants beyond those already screened, including further evaluation of PFAS and phthalates in formula
• Manufacturer Engagement: The FDA will work directly with formula manufacturers to identify measures that reduce contaminant levels to "as low as possible"
• Industry Roundtable: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to host chief executives from leading infant formula companies in May to discuss modernizing FDA oversight and nutrition standards
• Transparent Data Sharing: The agency committed to sharing testing results with the public to help parents make informed decisions

This represents a significant shift in FDA oversight. Until now, the agency did not have enforceable limits for heavy metals in infant formulas, unlike the European Union, Canada, and Australia. The new initiative aims to establish scientific standards and close regulatory gaps that have existed for decades (Source 1, 2, 3, 4).

"We tested more infant formula than ever before, and the results are clear: most products meet a high safety standard, but even small exposures matter for newborns. We will hold manufacturers accountable and give parents honest, transparent data they can trust," said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary

The FDA's findings build on previous efforts to review substances like heavy metals in infant foods, which can cause developmental problems in children. Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrics professor at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that the new data provides important reassurance while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

"There's no reason not to use any available formula in the U.S.," said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrics professor at the University of Texas at Austin who reviewed the findings.

Dr. Steven Abrams, Professor of Pediatrics at University of Texas at Austin

However, Dr. Abrams also called for the FDA to continue monitoring infant formula for contaminants and to share results publicly. This transparency is especially important given that last year, Consumer Reports published an analysis of 41 U.S. infant formulas that suggested many contained worrisome levels of heavy metals, prompting some parents to stop using commercial formula even when medically necessary.

The FDA's comprehensive testing represents a turning point in how the nation approaches infant formula safety. By establishing baseline data on contaminant levels and committing to ongoing oversight, federal health officials are responding to years of calls from consumer advocacy groups for enforceable safety standards. For parents navigating formula choices, the message is clear: the current U.S. supply is safe, but regulatory improvements and continued monitoring will help ensure it stays that way (Source 1, 2, 3, 4).