Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to meet with executives from companies who make baby formula to discuss “nutritional standards,” according to Bloomberg.
Kennedy, who has in the past raised concerns about toxic metals in formula, said during his presidential campaign that formula ingredients would come under the microscope if he were to be elected. Some baby formulas and foods have been found to contain low levels of toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
However, it remains unclear which companies the health secretary will sit down with for a “roundtable discussion” on the matter. Bloomberg cited a source with knowledge of the impending meeting who said that “nutritional standards and shoring up the supply chain” will be the focus.
It comes after MAGA influencer Rogan O’Handley, also known as ‘DC Draino’ online, claimed that Kennedy told him at the White House that he would be questioning baby formula execs.
He said the Republican told him and a group of conservative visitors who also visited that he would seek to eradicate “bad baby formula” options, while exploring alternative European imports.
“He told us how he’s getting rid of bad baby formula. They’re going to be potentially allowing European baby formula to be imported into America,” he said in an X video.
Meidas Touch reported that seed oils could also be in Kennedy’s sights. They are used in many formulas to give them a consistency close to milk. The health chief has previously argued that oils like canola and soybean are toxic and one of the most unhealthy ingredients in our food.
Studies show however that infant formulas containing seed oils like canola, sunflower, and rapeseed, can support normal infant growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, these oils are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, meaning they can effectively mimic breastmilk
Some research suggests that palm oil, another common seed oil, may lead to lower fat and calcium absorption.
