Problems with FDA food program led to dangerous safety issues, says former USDA official

Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that advocates for truth, transparency and fairness in the marketplace, is looking at improving food safety and nutrition oversight at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports and former deputy under secretary for food safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said there are serious problems with governance structure at FDA, including the lack of a single, full-time, expert leader managing all aspects of the food program.
• Ronholm said food safety issues have been stacking up recently, with several disease outbreaks from produce, toxic metals in baby food and an infant formula recall.
• FDA has been slow to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act from 2011, with many elements yet to be rolled out, said Ronholm.

SEE ALSO | Not taking risks with unmanned systems ‘may not be an option,’ says former submarine warfare officer