We need a strong FDA to protect babies' health
Sign The Petition
Millions of parents who rely on baby formula trust that it is safe and nutritious. However, Consumer Reports’ recent testing of dozens of infant formulas found that some products contained worrisome levels of arsenic and lead, and PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ were detected in almost every sample.
The FDA just announced an effort to increase its oversight of infant formula, but recent government layoffs have targeted some of the agency’s staff, including those with technical expertise in infant formula safety. An under-staffed and under-resourced FDA jeopardizes the agency’s ability to protect our food system, and puts lives at risk. It is especially concerning to have reduced oversight of infant formula, given how vulnerable babies are to toxic chemicals found in our tests.
Protecting babies should be the highest food safety priority. Take action now by calling on the current administration to maintain the staffing and resources needed to ensure that infant formula is safe and free from contaminants that could endanger children's health.
Message to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
We call on the Department of Health and Human Services to support the FDA with the resources and staffing necessary to ensure the safety of our food supply. In its recent announcement, the agency committed to strengthening its oversight of the safety of infant formula - but recent cuts and layoffs to FDA staff that specialize in food safety jeopardize the agency’s ability to protect our food system, and put lives at risk. It is especially problematic that the agency has cut staff with technical expertise in infant formula safety.
A recent Consumer Reports’ study of dozens of infant formulas found that some products contained worrisome levels of arsenic and lead, and PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ were detected in almost every sample. An under-staffed and under-resourced FDA is ill-equipped to investigate these and other dangers that could harm the health of infants, who are especially vulnerable to contaminants in their food. We urge you to follow through on your announcement of increased oversight of infant formula, and ensure that the FDA maintains the staff and resources that it needs to oversee the safety of our food supply.