WASHINGTON – Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf today proposed the creation of a deputy commissioner for human foods.
The following is a statement from Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president for government affairs, about the proposal:
Today’s proposed reorganization by Dr. Califf is an important first step toward addressing the structural and cultural challenges that contributed to several tragic food safety failures.
Food companies are responsible for the food they sell, but creating a deputy commissioner for human foods to oversee and coordinate FDA’s food safety and nutrition functions will help address the silos and miscommunication documented by the Reagan-Udall Foundation.
The deputy commissioner will have decision-making power over a new human foods program, but it’s unclear whether this new leader will have the power to ensure that food safety inspectors are trained and deployed to keep us safe.
It also remains to be seen whether FDA regulation of toxic chemicals in everyday products – a top priority for consumers – will finally be treated with the same sense of urgency as the pathogens in our food.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action
