The top FDA official in charge of food safety and nutrition has resigned amid the recent mass firings of dozens of scientists and other health officials across the agency’s foods program. In his resignation letter, James Jones warned that the “indiscriminate” cuts would hinder the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda outlined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Jones stated that at least 89 staff members with highly technical expertise in nutrition, infant formula, food safety response, and chemical safety had been let go. He emphasized that these staff members were crucial for ensuring the safety of the US food supply.
The mass firings were part of a broader cost-cutting effort by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency task force. Many employees were fired without warning, with some receiving letters directly from human resources officials outside the FDA.
Jones had previously oversaw initiatives aimed at reviewing the safety of additives in food and pushing for nutrition labels on packages. He had expressed his willingness to work with Kennedy, but the firings led him to resign, calling them “short sighted” and “indiscriminate.”
Kennedy has proposed significant changes to food additive regulations, including a ban on artificial dyes like Red 3. However, Jones criticized Kennedy’s attacks on his staff as unfounded, stating that the FDA foods program staff adhere to high technical, professional, and ethical standards.
The total number of staff cut at the FDA remains unclear, with an agency spokesperson not responding to comments on the matter.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-food-safety-james-jones-resigns-warning-rfk-jr