Additional Coverage:
- RFK Jr. details first baby formula review in decades amid concerns over contaminants, supply chain (foxnews.com)
HHS Secretary Kennedy Launches “Operation Stork Speed” to Overhaul Baby Formula Regulations
In an interview on Fox & Friends, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new initiative with the FDA to revamp baby formula regulations. Dubbed “Operation Stork Speed,” the program aims to modernize formula safety and nutritional standards, echoing the urgency of the COVID-19 vaccine development program, “Operation Warp Speed.”
While emphasizing that current formulas aren’t necessarily dangerous, Kennedy cited a Consumer Reports study highlighting high levels of heavy metals, though within existing guidelines. He criticized past FDA practices, noting that formula recipes haven’t been thoroughly reviewed since the late 1990s. “We’re going to review the formulation for the first time since 1998 and really make sure … this is the healthiest product that our kids can have,” Kennedy stated.
The initiative will focus on several key areas: reviewing nutritional content, testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, encouraging new formula development, and clarifying nutrition labels. Kennedy also addressed the reliance on imported formula, calling it a “national security issue” and advocating for expanding domestic production to increase competition and potentially lower prices. He pointed out the limited market, dominated by four major companies, contributes to high prices.
Beyond formula, Kennedy reiterated his concerns about food dyes and additives in processed foods, particularly those not used in Europe, linking them to rising health issues in the U.S. He announced a review of the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation, which allows some ingredients to bypass extensive safety reviews.
Kennedy expressed concern about the industry’s “taking advantage” of GRAS, leading to a proliferation of ingredients in American food compared to Europe. He pledged to eliminate GRAS exemptions for new products and review existing ingredients to ensure safety, encouraging companies to phase out potentially harmful additives.