Congressman Brian Mast (R-Fla.) has introduced a bill to ensure baby formula remains safe during manufacturing by establishing a federal standard through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The legislation aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, requiring the FDA and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and “enforce maximum containment levels in infant formula.”
“Parents should never have to wonder whether what they are feeding their newborn is safe,” Congressman Brian Mast assured.Â
Operation Stork Speed
Rep. Mast’s effort comes after the FDA launched “Operation Stork Speed,” an initiative seeking to broaden options for “safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for American Families.”
Through “Operation Stork Speed,” the FDA increased testing of specific contaminants in baby formula and other foods that children consume.
In Apr. 2026, the FDA released results of products purchased at retail stores from 2023-2025.
According to the FDA, “the majority of infant formula samples had undetectable or very low levels of contaminants, affirming the safety of the U.S. infant formula supply.”
Congressman Mast Wants To Ensure There's No Complacency
"The testing shows our formula supply is in good shape, and this bill makes sure it stays that way—putting specific, enforceable limits on the contaminants we don’t want anywhere near our kids, and holding manufacturers accountable for meeting them,” Congressman Mast affirmed.
“Thankfully, the results were largely favorable, but complacency cannot be tolerated. By putting enforceable federal standards behind that testing, it gives the FDA the force of law to ensure infant formula continues to meet the highest standards of safety as a habit of routine, not chance,” the Office of Rep. Mast wrote.
