FDA Announces Reorganization, Waste Reduction Efforts

The FDA recently approved a reorganization outline that includes the creation of a unified Human Foods Program, adoption of a new model for its field operations, and other modernization efforts. The plan’s implementation is slated for October 1.

The changes will enhance the agency’s ability to oversee and protect the human food supply and other products the FDA regulates, according to FDA.

“This is a distinctive moment for the FDA. I’m very pleased to see that after a year and a half of arduous work and effort put into this transformative vision for the FDA Human Foods Program and the architecture of the agency, we are a step closer to seeing the largest reorganization of the agency in recent history come to life this fall,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “This reorganization has been a major undertaking for the FDA, and I am proud of what we will be able to accomplish more efficiently and collaboratively to better meet our public health mandate.”

The creation of a unified HFP will allow the agency to more effectively realize the preventive vision laid out in the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, elevate the importance of nutrition, strengthen local, state and international partnerships, and position the FDA to regulate innovative food and agricultural products more effectively, said FDA. Additionally, the administration will be better positioned to uphold the safety of the nation’s food supply, and respond to food-related emergencies, such as the 2022 infant formula shortages.

On Thursday, FDA also revealed that, alongside the USDA and EPA, it is working to minimize food loss and food waste across the country.

“The FDA is committed to achieving the goal of a 50 percent reduction of food loss and waste by 2030 through a whole-of-government approach in collaboration with the USDA, EPA, and USAID,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., in a statement “We also recognize the role that empowered U.S. consumers can play in helping to reach the national food waste reduction goal. We encourage consumers and retailers to use the FDA’s food loss and waste reduction resources including the 2022 Food Code, Tips to Reduce Food Waste, and the Food Loss and Waste Social Media Toolkit to bolster their efforts.”

Their efforts include creating education and guidance materials, conducting outreach, researching, investing in communities, engaging in voluntary programs, providing technical assistance, forming public-private partnerships, and engaging in policy discussion, said FDA.