FDA Launches Operation Stork Speed To Review Infant Formulas

RTTNews | 35 days ago
FDA Launches Operation Stork Speed To Review Infant Formulas

(RTTNews) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or HHS, launched an initiative to expand options for safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula, the sole source of nutrition for infants as an alternative to human milk.

Under the leadership of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the initiative, named "Operation Stork Speed," would focus on infant formula through a set of actions to improve the domestic infant formula supply. The health agencies expect the initiative to enhance the quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of infant formulas.

The news comes amid increased concerns about the safety and availability of nutritionally adequate formula products for the most vulnerable individuals, as many infants in the U.S. rely on infant formula for some or all of their nutrition.

The FDA, which regulates the production of infant formulas, said the plans include beginning the nutrient review process and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. The agency is also asking companies to develop new infant formulas and clarify opportunities to help inform consumers about formula ingredients.

HHS Secretary Kennedy said, "The FDA will use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them. Helping each family and child get off to the right start from birth is critical to our pursuit to Make America Healthy Again."

As per the statement, the agency, by issuing a Request for Information, is starting the nutrient review required by law in the coming months. It would be the first comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients by the FDA since 1998.

The FDA is increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula and other foods children consume. Further, the actions also include extending the personal importation policy; encouraging companies to work with the FDA on any questions regarding increased transparency and clearer labeling; and communicating regularly with consumers and industry stakeholders as significant developments occur to ensure transparency, including information regarding nutrients and health outcomes.

The health regulator will also collaborate with the National Institutes of Health and other scientific bodies to address priority scientific research gaps regarding short- and long-term health outcomes associated with formula feeding in infancy and childhood across the lifespan.

In January, the FDA had released the Long-Term National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market. It outlined long-term actions to improve information-sharing across all stakeholder groups, as well as actions taken since 2023, to help protect the integrity of the infant formula supply chain.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com

read more
U.S. Dollar Rises Amid Easing Trade Tensions, Trump's Stance On Powell

U.S. Dollar Rises Amid Easing Trade Tensions, Trump's Stance On Powell

The U.S. dollar strengthened against its major counterparts in the New York session on Wednesday, amid optimism about easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China and President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
RTTNews | 2h 12min ago
Swiss Market Closes On Upbeat Note

Swiss Market Closes On Upbeat Note

The Switzerland market closed on an upbeat note on Wednesday, in line with markets across Europe, as investors reacted positively to U.S. President Donald Trump softening his tone toward Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and tariffs against China.
RTTNews | 4h 11min ago
European Markets Close On Buoyant Note As Trade Tensions Ease

European Markets Close On Buoyant Note As Trade Tensions Ease

European stocks closed on a strong note on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump toned down his rhetoric on Jerome Powell, and also admitted that the proposed tariffs on China are "very high." Trump said he would like to see Powell to be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates, and that he has no intention to fire him.
RTTNews | 4h 24min ago
Canadian Market Notably Higher Despite Paring Some Early Gains

Canadian Market Notably Higher Despite Paring Some Early Gains

The Canadian market is up firmly in positive territory in early afternoon trades on Wednesday, holding on to a significant portion of its gains, amid easing concerns about tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump softening his stance against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
RTTNews | 5h 15min ago
U.S. New Home Sales Surge Much More Than Expected In March

U.S. New Home Sales Surge Much More Than Expected In March

New home sales in the U.S. surged by much more than expected in the month of March, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday. The Commerce Department said new home sales spiked by 7.4 percent to an annual rate of 724,000 in March after jumping by 3.1 percent to a revised rate of 674,000 in February.
RTTNews | 7h 39min ago
Boeing Q1 Loss Narrows, Turns To Core Profit On Volume Growth; Stock Gains

Boeing Q1 Loss Narrows, Turns To Core Profit On Volume Growth; Stock Gains

Shares of Boeing Co. were gaining around 5 percent in the early morning trade on the NYSE after the aerospace major reported Wednesday narrower net loss in its first quarter, and a core operating profit compared to prior year's loss, with significantly higher revenues. The company attributed the results primarily to improved operational performance and commercial delivery volume.
RTTNews | 7h 40min ago
Eurozone Private Sector Activity Moves Closer To Stagnation

Eurozone Private Sector Activity Moves Closer To Stagnation

The euro area private sector moved closer to stagnation in April as activity was held back by faster reduction in orders amid the escalating trade tariff concerns, the results of the latest purchasing managers' survey by S&P Global showed on Wednesday. The HCOB flash composite output index eased to 50.1 in April, which was only slightly above the 50.0 no-change mark.
RTTNews | 8h 28min ago
Bay Street Likely To Open On Firm Note

Bay Street Likely To Open On Firm Note

Sharply higher U.S. and Canadian futures point to a firm start for the Canadian markets on Wednesday. Global stocks gained in strength today with investors reacting positively to U.S. President Donald Trump's softer tone toward Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and his admission that the 145% tariffs on China are "very high" and they will come down substantially.
RTTNews | 9h 31min ago