FDA Proposes Sweeping Changes to Programs Governing Human Food Supply and Safety

By YS Gold

Responding to critics blaming a dysfunctional FDA system for the baby formula shortage, among other problems in our food supply and safety in an era of globalization, Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner of the FDA, said the agency would overhaul its systems.

In a statement, Califf said: “The agency has carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations from an external evaluation conducted by an expert panel of the Reagan-Udall Foundation… The findings and recommendations from these reviews identified issues surrounding culture, structure, resources, and authorities."

hey also noted several areas of need, including modernizing data systems, providing more resources and authorities, improving emergency response systems, and building a more robust regulatory program.

“Today I am announcing a new, transformative vision for the FDA Human Foods Program,” he said.

Under the plan, there would be a special department within the FDA to oversee human food safety and better nutrition. This will hopefully bring a better structure to our food supply, even as all safety concerns are met.  

Photo Credit: Flickr