FDA update on proposed human foods program and Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) Restructuring

The FDA had announced that it had begun the national search for the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, reporting directly to the commissioner. The ideal candidate will have executive-level and real-world experience sufficient to lead the newly envisioned Human Foods Program. This individual will also have a clear line of authority over the proposed Human Foods Program, including the existing components of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), the Office of Food Policy and Response (OFPR), and certain human foods-related components of ORA. The Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods and other program leads will be charged with setting strategic direction for food inspections and have authority over program resource allocation. The FDA is currently assessing specific functions of ORA, CFSAN, and OFPR; analyzing inspection and compliance functions; evaluating how to empower the Deputy Commissioner; how to coordinate the FDA and state-operated food laboratory operations; How to improve the FDA’s ability to conduct risk prioritization to deliver the highest public health benefit. Part of the plan is to move cosmetics out of CFSAN. The FDA is seeking to finalize its proposal this fall. Once the plan is finalized, the plan undergoes a thorough review before advancing to Congress for a 30-day notification period which members may raise any concerns that the FDA may need to address.  @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-provides-update-proposed-human-foods-program-and-office-regulatory-affairs-restructuring?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery