- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently suspended its food safety quality checks due to significant staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). FDA had been drawing up plans in anticipation of the staff cuts, and outsourcing oversight to state and local authorities. This decision has raised concerns about the potential impact on public health and food safety standards.
- FDA’s proficiency testing program, part of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), is designed to ensure consistency and accuracy in food testing laboratories. The network comprises approximately 170 labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants to prevent foodborne illness.
- The suspension of this program follows the firing and departure of up to 20,000 HHS employees, including key personnel such as quality assurance officers, analytical chemists, and microbiologists. The program will be suspended at least through September 30, 2025.
- The staff cuts have also impacted FDA’s work in other areas such as its bird flu response and drug reviews. FDA had already suspended efforts to improve testing for bird flu in milk, cheese, and pet food earlier in April due to staffing issues.
- Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor developments related to staff cuts and program suspensions, and any other significant changes at FDA.
