i- James Jones, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, released a statement on October 19 outlining his commitment to Commissioner Robert Califf’s framework for the proposed Human Foods Program (HFP). Jones said that he is “committed to upholding and executing this framework guided by the principle of protecting and promoting the health and wellness of all U.S. consumers.” The framework contains three priority areas: preventing foodborne illness, decreasing diet-related chronic disease, and safeguarding the food supply.
- Under the foodborne illness prevention prong of the framework, FDA is proposing to set up an Office of Critical Foods, which will regulate infant formula and medical foods. This office is intended to work with industry to avoid recalls and shutdowns, particularly in infant formula manufacturing. The HFP will also use FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint to further progress to regulate the food supply under the Food Safety Modernization Act.
- To aid in decreasing diet-related chronic diseases, the HFP will prioritize reducing sodium in food, creating more accessible food labels, promoting healthy habits, and supporting innovation. On November 16, the Agency is co-hosting a public meeting with the Reagan-Udall foundation to hear input on front-of-package labeling and from November 6-8 will hold virtual public meeting and listening sessions regarding strategies to reduce added sugar consumption.
- The HFP will also work to safeguard the food supply by reducing exposure to contaminants and other harmful chemicals in foods. FDA is working on a proposed rule regarding Brominated Vegetable Oil in food, as well as continuing its work on the Closer to Zero initiative, which we have covered previously, to reduce exposure to heavy metals in foods for babies and young children.
FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Expresses Commitment to Human Foods Program Framework
Monday, October 23, 2023
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