FDA reorganizes, modernizes with Unified Human Foods Program

On Oct. 1, FDA announced the launch of the new Unified Human Foods Program (HFP), which will bring about the most significant organizational changes in the agency’s century-long history. The program, along with a revamped model for conducting field operations, is now active, according to a press release by FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones, and Associate Commissioner for Inspections and Investigations Michael Rogers.

“The establishment of the Human Foods Program allows us to most effectively deliver on our mission to protect and promote public health through science-based approaches to prevent foodborne illness, reduce diet-related chronic disease and ensure the safety of chemicals in our food,” the press release said. “This will enable us to zero in on those issues where intervention has the greatest opportunity for the prevention of disease and for the promotion of wellness.”

The new HFP, which affects more than 8,000 FDA employees and modifies nearly every aspect of the agency’s operations, is designed to improve the agency’s approaches to preventing foodborne illnesses and reducing diet-related diseases. FDA has also restructured field operations under the new title of Office of Inspections and Investigations, formerly known as the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Related:Hemp innovators take on public perception, regulatory hurdles in rising THC-infused beverage sector

Additionally, a new online consumer complaint form is being piloted to streamline the reporting process and improve the agency’s responsiveness to public health issues. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to increase transparency and build public trust while advancing the nation's public health objectives.

When asked to comment, a FDA spokesperson stated that the vision behind the HFP was to “ensure that food serves as a vehicle for wellness.”

She also explained that the reorganization will allow the agency to:

This certainly sounds as though FDA is willing to work with food manufacturers and CPG brands to ensure human food is safe and healthy. And yet the agency’s approach to risk management and prevention has also been revamped.

“Specifically, the HFP consolidates functions within new risk management super offices, which are dedicated to strategic planning and resource allocation, as a well as transparency and dialogue with all those who have a stake in a safe and nutritious food supply,” the spokesperson said. “It's our hope that the new structure will help to streamline processes and allow us to more effectively and efficiently regulate foods and support industry in producing safe and nutritious food.”

Related:Boar’s Head listeria outbreak demonstrates lack of food safety culture