The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated Operation Stork Speed, representing its first significant assessment of nutrient regulations for infant formula in more than 25 years.
At a Glance
- The FDA is conducting its first comprehensive review of infant formula nutrient guidelines since 1998
- Operation Stork Speed aims to align formula standards with current scientific research
- Public comments are being accepted until September 11, 2025
- The review follows the 2022 infant formula shortage caused by contamination and recalls
- The FDA will hold a public roundtable on June 3 to discuss potential changes
Operation Stork Speed: A New Era for Infant Nutrition
In a significant move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched Operation Stork Speed, marking its first major review of infant formula nutrient guidelines in over 25 years. This initiative seeks to ensure that infant formulas align with contemporary scientific standards and the latest nutrition research. The agency is reevaluating current nutrient requirements and considering the addition of components that could improve developmental outcomes for infants.
The FDA is actively encouraging public feedback, with comments accepted until September 11, 2025. Leading formula manufacturers, including Abbott Nutrition and Reckitt Benckiser, have expressed support for this modernization effort.
Watch a report: FDA to review nutrients in baby formula: 3 things for parents to know.
Addressing Past Challenges and Future Goals
The initiative follows the 2022 infant formula shortage, which exposed vulnerabilities in both supply chains and regulatory oversight. Triggered by contamination at a major production facility, the crisis left shelves empty and parents scrambling for alternatives. The episode catalyzed calls for stronger safety protocols and modernized standards.
Operation Stork Speed also aims to address emerging concerns such as the presence of heavy metals and excessive sugars in some formulas. The FDA will hold a public roundtable on June 3 to explore these issues and consider scientific input from health professionals and consumers alike. These discussions will shape the future of infant nutrition in the United States.
Industry Collaboration and Public Engagement
Industry stakeholders appear ready to adapt. Abbott Nutrition and Mead Johnson have publicly indicated their willingness to collaborate, pledging to support changes that reflect advancements in nutritional science. According to a statement from the Infant Nutrition Council of America, members are committed to using high-quality, scientifically validated ingredients.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the ethical imperative of the initiative, declaring, “Every child deserves a healthy start.” FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. echoed this sentiment, describing the agency’s mission as both a scientific and moral duty to protect the country’s youngest citizens.
By integrating public input, transparent labeling, and scientific oversight, the FDA aims not only to avert future crises but also to deliver a new standard of safety and efficacy in infant formula. This operation could permanently redefine what goes into the most critical bottles in America.
