BARTOW, Fla. — January 9, 2026 — Florida officials on Friday released the results of a statewide review of infant formula products, revealing elevated levels of heavy metals in a majority of the formulas tested. The findings come as part of the Healthy Florida First initiative, which focuses on transparency and nutritional safety for families.
Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the results in Bartow, emphasizing that the testing effort is meant to provide parents with clearer information about the products they rely on.
According to the Florida Department of Health, 24 infant formula products commonly sold across the state were tested. Sixteen of them showed elevated levels of heavy metals, including mercury, which officials said may point to broader issues within manufacturing or ingredient sourcing.
“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,” Gov. DeSantis said. He added that state officials are working with federal partners “to drive accountability and give families more options.”
As part of the response, DeSantis said families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will soon be able to choose from a wider selection of formula brands. He credited federal coordination by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for allowing the expansion in product choice.
First Lady Casey DeSantis said the findings underscore a need for greater transparency. “Families deserve full transparency and the truth, especially when it comes to products marketed for infants,” she said. “That is why the Commission under the Healthy Florida First initiative is demanding accountability and putting parents first.”
Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo called the testing effort an important step toward public health protection. “The food testing being conducted as well as the focus on nutrition is imperative to ensure Floridians have the information needed to make healthy choices for themselves and their families,” he said.
State officials said the testing is part of a broader effort to assess food safety and empower parents with accurate information. The Healthy Florida First initiative has framed the effort as a way to increase oversight of products intended for infants and ensure accountability from manufacturers.
