In January 2023, the FDA unveiled plans to fundamentally overhaul its food safety and nutrition division, an effort geared toward bolster consumer protection. The overhaul resulted, in large part, from withering criticism of the agency’s response to an infant formula shortage in 2022. Critics contend that the Agency's siloed structure, focus on drugs at the expense of food safety, and poor communication, among other issues have led to systemic inefficacy. These critiques ultimately led to an internal review late last year, and ultimately the plan to create a new Human Foods Program.

In a June update, the Agency acknowledged that, "With a human food landscape that is rapidly evolving as consumer preferences, products, and manufacturing processes grow increasingly complex and public health needs increase, the FDA must build a stronger Human Foods Program (HFP) and Office of Regulatory Affairs."

The HFP will be led by a Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, who will report directly to the FDA Commissioner and have full authority over all components of the HFP, including foods resources in the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). The program will encompass crucial areas, including food safety, chemical safety, and innovative food products, and to utilize new agricultural technologies that will help address the formidable challenges posed by climate change and globalization. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on improving nutrition while simultaneously combating dietary disease and inequity.

At the end of August, FDA announced James "Jim" Jones would take on the role as the first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. Jones has more than 30 years of regulatory experience, including tenure in the EPA, stakeholder community, and private industry. Jones' expertise in managing teams, providing strategic planning, and thought leadership on issues involving chemical safety and sustainability in the environment are among the reasons he was selected for the role. Among other experiences, he played a pivotal role in the 2016 overhaul of the Toxic Substances Control Act. His responsibilities at the EPA included decision-making on the regulation of pesticides and commercial chemicals, highlighting his specialization in the field of environmental safety. Deputy Commissioner Jones will have sweeping authority over policy, strategy, and regulatory activities, ultimately overseeing a staggering 80% of the foods consumed by Americans.

With Jones set to assume his role on September 24, the FDA is poised for a new era of food safety and nutrition regulation and oversight. As with any major regulatory overhaul, there are bound to be growing pains, so industry should prepare for the unexpected in the months to come. The overhaul will likely result in increased inspection activities, ostensibly with new and perhaps less experienced inspectors.

A New Era for Food Safety and Nutrition: Jim Jones Hired to Head Up FDA Food Safety Overhaul

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