The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released the findings of an extensive examination aimed at detecting chemical contaminants in infant formula sold in the U.S. market. While breastfeeding is often recognized as the best nutritional source for infants when feasible, many parents rely on formula.
“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,” stated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We will hold manufacturers accountable and provide parents with honest, transparent data they can trust.”
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized, “You can judge a society by how it treats its most vulnerable members. That’s why we’re doing everything in our power to ensure our babies and infants have safe, high-quality formula options that are supported by a resilient supply chain.”
The FDA’s investigation, which included more than 300 samples representative of products sold nationwide, generated over 120,000 data points on various contaminants such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, pesticides (including glyphosate and glufosinate), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates. The samples consisted of powdered formulas, ready-to-feed liquids, and concentrated liquids, all tested and analyzed in FDA laboratories.
Despite the low overall levels of contaminants found in the samples, the FDA plans to conduct additional testing as part of its continuous monitoring and oversight efforts. The agency intends to engage further with manufacturers to minimize contaminant levels and establish action levels for these substances in infant formula.
The presence of small amounts of contaminants in food products, including infant formula and breast milk, may result from natural occurrences or human activities in the growing or production areas of the ingredients.
(Source: USFDA)
Published on May 4, 2026.
