Health advocates are warning that the Trump administration's claims of baby formula safety contradict data showing widespread contamination with toxic chemicals. The administration announced earlier this month that hundreds of baby formula samples tested for toxic chemicals meet a high safety standard, but public health advocates argue this assertion is misleading.
Independent Scientists Raise Concerns
Independent scientists who reviewed the results say data gaps and contamination raise concerns, though they praised the US Food and Drug Administration for expanding the testing program and making results public. The FDA launched Operation Stork Speed under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, testing 300 baby formula samples for Pfas, phthalates, lead, pesticides, mercury, and other dangerous substances.
Widespread Contamination Detected
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 the federal government previously found no safe level of exposure in drinking water. About half of the samples also contained phthalates, a plasticizer, and some showed relatively low levels of lead. Several samples had chlorpyrifos, a highly toxic pesticide that the EPA tried to ban in 2021.
Experts Warn of Endocrine Disruptors
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. These chemicals pose risks even at low doses, impacting children's hormones during key developmental stages and causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and other health harms. Maffini emphasized that there is no truly safe amount of endocrine disruptors.
Data Gaps and Transparency Issues
Significant gaps exist in the FDA test data: product names are not listed, and it is unclear which formulas are free from chemicals. The agency did not indicate if samples contained multiple contaminants, which could have additive or synergistic effects. The FDA wrote that 95% of Pfos levels were below 2.9 parts per trillion, but drinking water limits are set at four ppt, which may not be protective for infants.
Concerns Over Low-Level Exposure
Tasha Stoiber, a scientist with the Environmental Working Group, noted that low levels of exposure are associated with health effects, especially for newborns in critical developmental stages. Short-chain Pfas used throughout the food system were found in formulas, highlighting the widespread use of these chemicals.
Phthalates and Packaging
Phthalates, found in 46% of samples, likely come from plastic food packaging or processing equipment. Despite risks, the FDA has not set enforceable limits or safe daily intake levels for phthalates. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary called the results encouraging, stating the agency is working to ensure safe formula options.
Lead Levels Decrease but Oversight Needed
Tom Neltner of Unleaded Kids noted that lead and metal contamination levels are lower than in the past, indicating public pressure is working. However, he stressed that the FDA's snapshot testing is insufficient and ongoing transparency is needed. New legislation in California and Vermont would require formula producers to share test results with the public. Neltner urged the FDA to set an action level for lead, as declaring safety without assurance that companies will maintain low levels is inadequate.
