Fully staff FDA to safeguard food and drug safety

Significant layoffs of administrative and support staff at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are hampering the agency's ability to carry out critical inspections that safeguard the nation's food and drug supply. Without dedicated personnel to handle crucial logistical tasks like travel arrangements and translator coordination, front-line inspectors will be burdened with administrative duties instead of conducting on-site oversight of manufacturers. This diversion of resources is expected to exacerbate existing inspection backlogs and necessitate the suspension of routine surveillance inspections in favor of only responding to known safety risks. Furthermore, the elimination of a pilot program for unannounced inspections abroad due to staffing shortages raises concerning vulnerabilities in the FDA's ability to monitor global supply chains. These cutbacks undermine public health protections against foodborne illnesses, improperly manufactured drugs, and other preventable dangers. A properly funded and staffed FDA is vital to ensuring the safety and integrity of the products Americans consume daily. Investing in the FDA's workforce and restoring its operational capacity must be prioritized to uphold rigorous quality standards and shield consumers from harm.