An Update from FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods

Summary

At the 47th Annual National Food Policy Conference, Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones of the US FDA discussed the agency's reorganization and focus on food safety, chemical safety, and nutrition. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the food industry, regulatory counterparts, and consumer advocacy groups to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply. Jones emphasized the FDA's commitment to a risk-based approach, the need for greater awareness on import safety, and the development of action levels for heavy metals in food. He also touched on the FDA's efforts to improve nutrition through labeling initiatives and sodium and sugar reduction targets, stressing the necessity of stakeholder partnerships for public health improvements.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Jim Jones, the first-ever Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the US FDA, has been leading a newly redesigned human foods program since September of the previous year.
• 🛠️ Deputy Commissioner Jones has a background at the US Environmental Protection Agency, where he led significant programs including the overhaul of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
• 🔍 Jones is committed to transparency, as evidenced by his quick response to a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request, which was the fastest the questioner had ever received in their professional career.
• 🍽️ The FDA's proposed reorganization aims to create a unified human foods program, focusing on wellness through food safety, chemical safety, and nutrition, with implementation hoped for in fiscal year 2024.
• 🛡️ The FDA's approach to food safety involves a systematic risk management strategy, prioritizing interventions that have the greatest opportunity to prevent disease and illness.
• 🌐 The success of the new human foods program will be measured by the safety of the US food supply, and the FDA is working closely with the food industry and other stakeholders to achieve this.
• 🚫 The FDA is not resourced or organized to rely solely on compliance actions to ensure food safety; instead, it seeks a partnership approach with the industry based on mutual understanding and shared responsibility.
• 📋 The FDA is working on finalizing the 'Safe Production of Water for Use on Produce' rule and the 'Traceability' rule under the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) to improve food safety and response to foodborne illness.
• 🔬 The 'Closer to Zero' program is an FDA initiative aimed at addressing heavy metals in food, particularly focusing on developing health-protective and feasible action levels for industry.
• 🍎 The FDA is also focusing on nutrition, with efforts to reduce sodium and added sugars in the food supply, and is considering the development of a healthy symbol for food packaging to help consumers identify healthier options.
• 🤝 Collaboration and leveraging the expertise of stakeholders and partners are key to achieving the FDA's goals for food safety and nutrition, emphasizing the need for a unified approach.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 47th Annual National Food Policy Conference?

The 47th Annual National Food Policy Conference is an important event where key stakeholders in the food industry gather to discuss policies, safety measures, and innovations that impact the food supply and public health.

Who is Jim Jones and what is his role at the FDA?

Jim Jones is the first-ever Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He has been leading a newly redesigned human foods program since September of the previous year, bringing his experience from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

What is the FDA's new approach to food safety under Jim Jones' leadership?

Under Jim Jones' leadership, the FDA is focusing on making food about wellness through ensuring food safety, enhancing food chemical safety, and improving nutrition. The agency is working towards a systematic risk management approach to achieve these goals.

What is the FDA's stance on the use of 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) self-determinations by manufacturers?

The FDA views the GRAS self-determination process as a weakness in the system because it allows for self-certification without mandatory notification to the FDA. However, the agency has created a voluntary mechanism for manufacturers to submit their GRAS notices for review, and the majority do so.

How does the FDA prioritize its resources for addressing different food safety issues?

The FDA prioritizes its resources based on a risk management approach, focusing on issues where intervention has the greatest opportunity for the prevention of disease and illness.

What is the FDA's strategy for dealing with imported foods to ensure they meet safety standards?

The FDA is working on ensuring that imported foods are produced with the same level of safety as domestically produced food. The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requires importers to verify that the food they import meets all applicable safety requirements.

What is the FDA's 'Closer to Zero' program and what is its goal?

The 'Closer to Zero' program is a multifaceted initiative aimed at addressing the realities of the growing environment and responding to the potential risks of early exposure to heavy metals. It focuses on developing health-protective and feasible action levels for industry, starting with foods intended for babies and young children.

What is the status of the FDA's proposal for a unified human foods program?

The proposal for a unified human foods program was submitted by FDA Commissioner Caleff at the end of 2023 and is currently undergoing a formal external review process. The FDA hopes for its implementation sometime in fiscal year 2024.

How does the FDA plan to address the issue of sodium and added sugars in the food supply?

The FDA is developing sodium reduction targets and is in the process of gathering information on how to address the overconsumption of added sugars. They are also considering the development of a healthy symbol for food packages and front-of-package labeling to help consumers make healthier choices.

What is the FDA's approach to collaboration with stakeholders in achieving its goals for food safety and nutrition?

The FDA emphasizes the importance of working closely with the food industry, regulatory counterparts, and consumer advocacy groups. It believes in leveraging the expertise, information, and resources of its network of stakeholders and partners to make a difference in public health.