1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The FDA's reported plans to outsource most routine food safety inspections to state and local authorities raise concerns about protecting public health and ensuring food safety standards are consistently upheld nationwide. Cutting back on the FDA's critical inspection work could put consumers at higher risk of foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. The resources and capacity of state agencies vary considerably, potentially resulting in lax oversight in some areas. While utilizing state resources may appear cost-effective, compromising rigorous federal inspections jeopardizes a core function of the FDA that safeguards the national food supply. We urge you to oppose any measures that would undermine the FDA's vital role in conducting routine inspections and upholding robust food safety regulations across all states. Protecting public health by maintaining strong federal oversight of our food system should be a top priority.