FDA Conducting Evaluation of Food Programs to Strengthen Operations

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has announced that he has commissioned external agency experts to conduct a comprehensive evaluation for FDA’s Human Foods Program, including the Office of Food Response and Policy (OFPR), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), as well as relevant parts of the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA).  Califf stated that “While America’s food supply is safe, and our Foods program experts have significantly contributed to the availability of more nutritious food options for consumers, the program has been stressed by the increasing diversity and complexity of the nation’s food systems and supply chain. Fundamental questions about the structure, function, funding and leadership need to be addressed. The agency’s inspectional activities related to the program also need to be evaluated, particularly in light of stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”  The Reagan-Udall Foundation, an independent partner organization for the agency, will lead the review and work with an external group of experts to complete the evaluation. The Foundation will report its findings, including an initial assessment of the processes and procedures, resourcing, and organizational structure for the Foods program and CTP, to the agency within 60 business days of initiation.  GCCA, along with food industry partners, met with Commissioner Califf in July to discuss the need to strengthen FDA’s food programs.