Florida state officials say they have detected elevated levels of heavy metals in widely available infant formulas, prompting a new push for stricter oversight of the nation’s food supply.
First Lady Casey DeSantis appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend Sunday to discuss the findings, which stem from the state’s “Healthy Florida First” initiative.
According to the administration, the Florida Department of Health recently purchased 24 different infant formula products across seven brands from various retailers and online stores. These samples were then sent to independent, certified laboratories to test for arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and pesticides.
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The results, officials said, were concerning.
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“The Florida Department of Health tested 24 infant formula products widely available in Florida and found elevated levels of heavy metals like mercury in 16, pointing to systemic problems in sourcing or manufacturing,” Governor Ron DeSantis said in a statement.
The Governor indicated that the state is collaborating with federal partners, specifically referencing Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to adjust options for families relying on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The changes aim to give parents utilizing WIC the flexibility to switch formula brands based on the new testing data.
First Lady Casey DeSantis framed the initiative as a necessary step to fill a gap in consumer protection, arguing that products should be vetted more thoroughly before reaching store shelves.
“We cannot allow food companies to prioritize profits over the health and well-being of the people, even if it’s inadvertent,” the First Lady said. “Our goal is to hold companies accountable through testing and to provide transparency to the consumer.”
She added that the state is encouraging other jurisdictions to utilize their own resources to conduct similar testing.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo supported the move, emphasizing that the testing is part of a broader focus on nutrition and public health transparency. The administration stated that the initiative is intended to provide parents with clear, evidence-based information so they can make informed choices for their children.
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