TAMPA, Fla. — The FDA has initiated Operation Stork Speed, the first comprehensive review of baby formula in nearly 30 years.

Keeping a close eye on the initiative is Kristen Fustos, a Pediatric Dietitian in Tampa Bay that has grown a large social media presence after starting her own practice, Happy Tummy Nutrition.

“I primarily work with families and their infants and children if they’re struggling with any gut issues, and that can be eczema, reflux, colic, food sensitivities and we work on improving their gut microbiome through nutrition,” she said.

Fustos calls the FDA review long overdue.

“It’s just mind-boggling how it’s been so long that they haven’t re-evaluated this thing, that’s their sole source of nutrition a lot of the time if mom can’t or chooses not to breastfeed,” she said.

Through Operation Stork Speed, the FDA is looking for input on what baby formula nutrient requirements should be revised based on the latest scientific data, and it’s increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula.

Dr. Lauri Wright, with USF’s College of Public Health, says nutrition science is advancing rapidly, so it’s crucial for the FDA to stay updated.

“Formula is perfectly safe, but we just want to make sure we’re keeping up with the sciences and optimizing the nutrition composition so that every infant has the best nutrition to start out their life,” said Wright.

Fustos agrees, saying families shouldn’t be alarmed by Operation Stork Speed. Formula is safe, but knowledge is power.

“We don’t want parents to freak out, however, there’s certainly room for improvements,” she said.

The FDA launched Operation Stork Speed in March and the review process is expected to take at least a year.