Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is turning his focus to baby formula products as part of his ongoing review of ingredients used in the U.S. food supply.
Under Kennedy’s leadership, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will conduct a thorough examination of the nutrients in infant formula. The FDA will also increase testing for heavy metals and other contaminants, according to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday. This move follows a meeting between Kennedy and executives from several major baby formula manufacturers, as first reported by Bloomberg.
Kennedy met with the CEOs of Abbott Laboratories (maker of Similac), Reckitt Benckiser Group (which produces Enfamil), Perrigo Co., and Bobbie Baby Inc. A post on social media from HHS highlighted the discussions.
Scott Stoffel, an Abbott spokesman, expressed optimism about working with Kennedy, the FDA, and other experts to improve formula ingredients. “We look forward to making infant formulas even closer to breast milk,” Stoffel said, adding that each ingredient in Abbott’s formulas is selected to meet the unique dietary needs of babies.
Despite the announcement, Abbott’s stock fell by 1.1% at 3:42 p.m. in New York, while Reckitt’s shares dropped by 1% in London.
Contamination Concerns Over Heavy Metals
Kennedy has previously raised concerns about the presence of heavy metals in infant formula, specifically in a May 2024 social media post. He pledged during his presidential campaign that, if elected, the FDA would investigate formula ingredients in more detail.
The timing of Tuesday’s announcement is significant, as baby formula makers are already under scrutiny for the ingredients and potential contaminants in their products. A new study by Consumer Reports, released just after the HHS announcement, found troubling levels of heavy metals in several popular infant formula brands. The report revealed that Abbott’s EleCare Hypoallergenic and Similac Alimentum formulas contained some of the highest levels of inorganic arsenic among 41 powdered formulas tested. Reckitt’s Enfamil Nutramigen formula was found to have up to twice the amount of lead compared to other products.
Josef Neu, a pediatrician and professor at the University of Florida, noted that while it’s difficult to eliminate all exposure to toxins, companies should take extra care to minimize any harmful substances in baby formulas. “These metals are naturally occurring, but companies need to be cautious about any toxins in baby food, whether it’s formula or breast milk,” Neu said.
Both Abbott and Reckitt responded by stating their products are safe. They emphasized that their formulas are tested for heavy metals and that they comply with international standards, even though the FDA has not yet set specific limits for these metals in infant formula.
Heavy metals such as lead and arsenic are found in soil and water and may enter the food supply during manufacturing. While the exact health risks are unclear, this is not the first time formula makers have faced scrutiny over contaminants.
Previous Scandals and Ongoing Concerns
In 2022, the U.S. faced a nationwide baby formula shortage, partly due to a recall linked to the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. Abbott was forced to shut down a factory in Michigan, leading to widespread supply chain disruptions. Both Abbott and Reckitt have also been targeted in lawsuits alleging that they concealed risks associated with formula for premature infants.
Kyle Diamantas, the FDA’s new acting director for the food division, previously defended Abbott in these lawsuits while working as an attorney.
Earlier this year, the FDA released a strategy to bolster the U.S. infant formula supply chain in response to the crisis.
Kennedy’s Broader Health Agenda
Kennedy, a lawyer and vocal advocate for health issues, has expressed his commitment to tackling ultra-processed foods and artificial dyes, linking them to chronic diseases. As part of his broader “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, he has pledged to address these concerns through policy changes.
Last week, Kennedy met with supporters—whom he refers to as “MAHA moms”—and food industry leaders, pushing for the removal of artificial dyes from consumer products.
Kennedy’s focus on food safety and health continues to grow as he takes on the powerful food industry in an effort to improve public health in the U.S.
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