Despite promises to prioritize public health, the Biden administration has pushed multiple countries to weaken their baby formula regulations after complaints from manufacturers.
Heather Vogell reports for ProPublica.
In short:
- The U.S. has opposed baby formula regulations in over a dozen countries, often after manufacturers raised concerns.
- Efforts to lower lead levels in formula and promote breastfeeding have been met with resistance from U.S. officials.
- This push contradicts the administration's public stance of putting people over corporate interests.
Key quote:
“The idea that governments are aiding and abetting them in their commercial enterprise over the public health interest is really shocking to me.”
— Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University
Why this matters:
While the Biden administration's official line champions public welfare, the behind-the-scenes playbook seems to be tipping the scales in favor of the big players in the baby formula game, potentially putting the health of the littlest and most vulnerable at risk. Read more: What will it take to give babies a phthalate-free start in the world?
