Dr. Donna Garren, executive vice president of science and policy, issued the following statement in response to the FDA’s proposed restructuring of the Human Foods Program and Office of Regulatory Affairs:
“While AFFI has supported the efforts by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to enhance the agency’s foods program with an empowered leader and decision-making process that is based on transparency, the latest announcement of proposed changes by FDA falls short. The plan outlined on February 28 fails to put into effect the recommendations outlined in the Reagan-Udall Report.
“With this announcement, we see that FDA allows the continuation of a divided and siloed organization and leadership approach. What is being suggested by FDA Commissioner Califf will not allow him to recruit a deputy commissioner that is required to drive the needed structural and cultural change within the foods program. Consumers and the regulated community alike all deserve a strong and effective leader that can set priorities and make decisions quickly.”
