"The American people deserve a safe and healthy food supply," said Jones. "This reorganization signifies our commitment to a more transparent and collaborative approach, working together with all stakeholders to strengthen the food system from farm to fork."
Sharpening focus on microbiological safety
Microbiological safety remains paramount for the FDA, Jones said. The agency is leveraging AI to more effectively target food imports for inspection, pinpointing potential risks with greater precision. Pilot projects are also exploring the power of social media data for faster outbreak detection, allowing for swifter intervention to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
"Innovation is key to staying ahead of potential threats. … AI is a powerful tool that allows us to target our resources more effectively, ensuring we are inspecting the imports that pose the highest risk,” Jones said.
Prioritizing nutrition, promoting healthier options
Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in public health, the FDA is placing renewed emphasis on promoting healthier food choices for consumers, Jones said. This includes setting voluntary sodium reduction goals for food manufacturers, redefining the criteria for "healthy" food labeling to better reflect current nutritional science, and proposing the inclusion of clear front-of-pack labeling for key nutrients. These initiatives aim to empower consumers to make informed decisions about the food they eat, fostering a healthier population.
"We want to empower consumers to make informed choices about the food they feed their families. … By improving food labeling and encouraging healthier options, we can all play a role in promoting a healthier nation,” Jones said.
Strengthening chemical safety via new tools and consistent monitoring
Chemical safety is another key focus area. The FDA acknowledges the need for a more robust post-market review program for chemicals used in food production and the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for risk assessment. These measures will ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of potential risks associated with chemicals in food, promoting innovation while safeguarding public health.
"Ensuring the safety of the chemicals used in our food supply is critical. … The implementation of a stronger post-market review program and the adoption of new risk assessment tools will allow us to be more proactive in safeguarding public health,” Jones said.
‘We need to be deploying our oversight in a way that is as smart as possible’
While the goals set for the Human Foods Program provide a more transparent and collaborative future, challenges remain.
Ensuring food traceability across the supply chain requires working with industry to find solutions that do not burden smaller companies, Jones said.
Additionally, a patchwork of state regulations exists for food additives. The FDA believes a robust federal post-market review program will streamline regulations and encourage states to yield authority, Jones said.
“The only thing that is going to work is FDA has assessed a chemical and then made a risk managed decision based on that assessment. … So for a lot of people, it is not a satisfactory answer, but I am pretty sure it really is the answer, and it is how we will get to the other side of this,” he said.
Finally, rebuilding consumer trust is paramount. The FDA is focusing on strategic import oversight and emphasizing industry compliance with established food safety regulations and best practices.
“We need to be deploying our oversight in a way that is as smart as we can come up with, whether it is using AI or the foreign Supplier Verification Program, so that we have increased the likelihood that we catch the entity who is breaking the rules,” Jones added.
Throughout this process, collaboration remains a core tenet of the FDA's approach. Building strong partnerships with state regulatory agencies, industry leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial for achieving lasting progress. By working together, these stakeholders can develop comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted challenges facing the food system.
"We believe that a collaborative approach is essential for building a stronger food system. … By working together with our partners across the industry, we can ensure the safety, transparency, and efficiency of our food supply for generations to come,” Jones said.
