Florida releases comprehensive infant formula testing results under Healthy Florida First to give families more information about product safety
Bartow, Florida – Florida officials have released the results of a comprehensive infant formula testing initiative, highlighting elevated levels of heavy metals in many widely available products and reinforcing the state’s commitment to family health and transparency. The announcement came from Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo during a briefing in Bartow, Fla., under the Healthy Florida First initiative.
“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,” said Governor DeSantis. He emphasized the importance of giving families options and accountability, noting that the state is working with federal partners to ensure parents can make informed decisions. “Thanks to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., families on WIC will be able to select from a wider variety of infant formulas if they want to switch products based on the findings of the Healthy Florida First Initiative,” DeSantis added.
The initiative reflects Florida’s ongoing focus on parental rights, medical freedom, and transparency in matters of public health. Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the state has avoided one-size-fits-all mandates, school closures, and strict lockdowns, instead prioritizing informed consent and individual choice. This approach is now being extended to products that families rely on daily, such as infant formula.
First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the personal impact of the findings, saying, “As a mother, there is nothing more important than protecting our children, and that starts with being able to trust what is in their food. Families deserve full transparency and the truth, especially when it comes to products marketed for infants. That is why the Commission under the Healthy Florida First initiative is demanding accountability and putting parents first, so Floridians have the information they need to make confident, informed decisions for their families.”
The testing initiative examined formulas for heavy metals, including mercury, to ensure that parents have access to reliable, factual information about what their infants are consuming. The results showed that more than half of the products tested contained concerning levels, signaling potential systemic issues in manufacturing or sourcing. The Healthy Florida First initiative aims to address these issues, provide alternative options for families, and hold manufacturers accountable for product safety.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo emphasized the broader public health significance of the program, stating, “Thanks to the vision of Governor DeSantis and the First Lady, Florida continues to lead in public health and health care. 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.” The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to proactive health measures, transparency, and empowering parents with actionable information.
The release of these results is intended not only to protect infants from potentially harmful products but also to encourage accountability among manufacturers and distributors. Families who rely on infant formula, particularly those using federal assistance programs like WIC, now have access to expanded choices and clearer guidance regarding product safety.
The full testing results have been made publicly available at ExposingFoodToxins.com, allowing parents to review the data and make informed decisions regarding which products they feel are safest for their children. By prioritizing transparency and family choice, Florida aims to set a standard in public health accountability and proactive protection for its youngest residents.
Through this initiative, state leaders say Florida is leading the nation in giving families the tools, information, and resources they need to protect their children, promoting confidence and safety in one of the most critical aspects of early childhood nutrition.
