The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen layoffs as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to slash the federal workforce. Newly hired employees who review food ingredients, medical devices, and other products were fired on Saturday evening. The number of positions eliminated is not clear, but those in the centers for food, medical devices, and tobacco products are affected. FDA employees who review drugs may be exempt.
The firings come after officials predicted 5,200 probationary employees would be laid off across government agencies. Nearly 700 people had received notices as of Sunday afternoon. The cuts do not affect young doctors and researchers tracking diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
FDA employees responsible for reviewing food additives and ingredients were among those let go. The agency’s budget is largely funded by fees paid by companies regulated by the FDA, which allows it to hire additional scientists. Cutting these positions will not reduce government spending.
Experts warn that eliminating new hires could backfire, as they tend to be younger and have more up-to-date technical skills. The FDA has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining staff due to better pay in the private sector. “You want to bring in new blood,” said Peter Pitts, a former FDA associate commissioner.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/fda-job-cuts-trump-hhs-kennedy-cdc-nih-76dee97eee8209b2605fadac34427aab