WASHINGTON (TNND) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is increasing its testing for heavy metals in infant formula and reevaluating the nutrient requirements for these products. The decision comes after tests on 41 formula products revealed that nearly half contained potentially harmful chemicals.
Stefanie Williams, a mother of a 5-month-old girl, shared her concerns after researching various formula options. “It was shocking to see how many unexpected ingredients were in baby formula,” she said. From heavy metals to high fructose corn syrup, Williams was surprised by what she found. “There should be better options for these products,” she added.
Charles White, a pharmaceutical expert at the University of Connecticut, explained that the FDA’s expanded testing will provide better oversight. “This will give them more data to ensure safety and quality,” White said.
The move follows a report by Consumer Reports, which found that about 20% of the tested products had excessive levels of arsenic. Other chemicals, such as acrylamide, BPA, and PFAS, were also detected. However, Dr. Mark Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterology expert at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, noted that most formulas were within safe limits. “Some levels were slightly high, but many were acceptable,” he said.
Dr. Corkins supports the FDA’s decision to increase testing but believes the results may not change significantly. “As long as they rely on scientific evidence, the findings should remain consistent,” he said.
In response to the announcement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the FDA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of infant formula. “The FDA will use all available resources and authority to protect consumers,” he stated.
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