FDA Tests 312 Infant Formulas, Finds Low Contaminants

The Food and Drug Administration announced on April 29 that tests of 312 infant formula samples from 16 brands revealed low or undetectable levels of contaminants, affirming the safety of the U.S. supply for infants.

The agency, as part of its Operation Stork Speed initiative, examined powdered, ready-to-feed and concentrated liquid formulas purchased from stores and online retailers, primarily in the northeastern United States. Testing, conducted between 2023 and 2025, targeted heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, as well as pesticides, phthalates and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. All samples had heavy metal levels below Environmental Protection Agency limits for drinking water, which align closely with European Union standards for infant formula. Arsenic appeared in 94 percent of samples at a median concentration of 0.5 parts per billion, lead in 80 percent, cadmium in 66 percent and mercury in 5 percent. No pesticides were detected in 99 percent of samples, and most showed no phthalates or PFAS, though some had trace amounts.

FDA officials described the results as encouraging and the largest such examination to date. "The results of this...