DeLauro Statement on FDA Update on Proposed Human Foods Program and Office of Regulatory Affairs Restructuring

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released a statement in response to an update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on their proposed restructuring of the Human Foods Program and the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA).

“Questions remain following the latest update from the FDA on their work to restructure the Human Foods program at the agency and revamp the Office of Regulatory Affairs. I have said from the start that the program must be united under an empowered deputy commissioner for foods – yet it seems the FDA will pursue a strategy wherein some items that should fall under regulation of the Human Foods Program will not be under the deputy commissioner’s control, which leads me to having more questions than answers. To me, this is business as usual at the FDA instead of the bold change that is required to ensure the agency can meet the challenges of today.

“FDA’s Human Foods program cannot be fragmented. I am once again calling for the appointment of an empowered deputy commissioner for foods who has responsibility for overseeing all aspects of FDA’s food programs, not bits and pieces. A piecemeal approach has failed us for far too long.

“I expect an updated timeline on FDA’s search to fill the job of deputy commissioner for foods, and expect the individual selected to have true authority over FDA’s Human Foods program. We need bold change for this agency to function, and I encourage Commissioner Califf to take the necessary steps to ensure that happens.”