FDA Lacks Resources to Ensure Food Safety

by Diane Lofshult

Food for Thought:

In what some called a “remarkable” admission, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a report saying the agency is unable to adequately safeguard the nation’s food and drug supply. The report is noteworthy because it marks the first time the agency has gone on record to say the nation is at risk because the FDA lacks the resources to perform its mission. The FDA currently regulates 80% of the nation’s food supply.

In light of the recent food recalls in America, the report underscores the lack of federal oversight that many consumer advocates say has eroded the public’s confidence in the FDA. The FDA subcommittee that issued the report lays the blame on inadequate funding that has not kept up with increased demands on the agency. “This imbalance is imposing a significant risk to the integrity of the food, drug, cosmetic and device regulatory system, and hence the safety of the public,” according to the report.

While the FDA subcommittee says that funding is the crux of the crisis, other industry experts say new legislation is also needed to strengthen the agency’s ability to regulate food additives and dietary supplements.