1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The choice not to publicize the E. coli outbreak that affected 15 states was a concerning lapse in transparency from the FDA. Public health crises demand proactive communication to empower citizens to make informed decisions about potential risks. The FDA's inaction withheld critical information that could have mitigated further spread and protected vulnerable populations. Prompt disclosure is essential when public safety is at stake. The FDA must prioritize its duty to inform the public over any perceived reputational risks of acknowledging health threats. I urge swift reform of policies to ensure timely alerts during future outbreaks, safeguarding public trust and wellbeing. Transparent crisis communication should be a cornerstone of the FDA's mission.