Health advocates are warning that the Trump administration's claims of baby formula safety are contradicted by data showing a majority of samples were contaminated with dangerous substances, such as Pfas or phthalates. The administration announced earlier this month that hundreds of baby formula samples tested for toxic chemicals “meet a high safety standard,” but independent scientists who reviewed the results say data gaps and contamination raise concerns.
FDA Testing Program Under Scrutiny
Independent scientists praised the US Food and Drug Administration for expanding its testing program and making results public, but they noted significant issues. Top FDA officials’ statements appear to contradict a 2014 FDA paper detailing how small amounts of the chemicals found likely present a serious risk for newborns, who are small, still developing, and have a greater food-to-body weight ratio than adults.
Operation Stork Speed Findings
Under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the FDA launched Operation Stork Speed, testing 300 baby formula samples for Pfas, phthalates, lead, pesticides, mercury, and other dangerous substances. Pfas and phthalates were among the most widespread detections. At least half of the samples contained Pfos, one of the most dangerous Pfas compounds, for which no level of exposure in drinking water is considered safe. About half of the samples also contained some phthalates, a plasticizer, and some showed relatively low levels of lead. Several samples had chlorpyrifos, a highly toxic pesticide the EPA tried to ban in 2021.
Maricel Maffini, an independent consultant, said she is encouraged by the expanded testing but alarmed by the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and Pfas. “There is no really safe amount of endocrine disruptors,” she said, noting that even low doses can impact children’s hormones at a key developmental stage.
Data Gaps and Concerns
Significant gaps in the FDA test data exist: product names are not listed, so it is unclear which formulas are free from chemicals, and the agency did not indicate if a sample contained more than one contaminant. Though little research on multiple chemical exposures exists, it is generally thought to have an additive or synergistic effect, making them more dangerous. The FDA wrote that 95% of Pfos levels were below 2.9 parts per trillion (ppt), but drinking water limits are set at 4 ppt, which may not be protective for infants.
Tasha Stoiber, a scientist with the Environmental Working Group, noted that much of the Pfas was found in dry formulas, which must be mixed with water that potentially also contains Pfas, making the product more toxic. “We do know very low levels of exposure are associated with health effects, and newborns are in this critical stage of development,” she said.
Phthalates and Lead Contamination
The likely source of phthalates, found in 46% of samples, is plastic food packaging or processing equipment. Despite risks, the FDA has not set any enforceable limit on phthalates or established a safe daily intake level. Lead and other metal contamination have long been problematic, but levels in recent tests are comparatively lower, indicating public and political pressure is working, said Tom Neltner of Unleaded Kids. However, he added that the FDA’s snapshot is not enough to ensure safety. “We need ongoing transparency,” Neltner said, noting that new legislation in California and Vermont would require formula producers to share test results with the public.
The FDA commissioner, Marty Makary, called the results “encouraging,” but Neltner warned: “The next step can’t be to declare it safe, because there is no assurance that companies will keep it at these levels.”
