The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the launch of its newly consolidated Human Foods Program (HFP), a strategic move designed to enhance food safety and nutritional oversight for American consumers
The HFP, operating under the Deputy Commissioner of Human Foods, aims to unify all FDA activities related to food, emphasising a science-based approach to prevent illness and promote wellness.
Centralised risk prioritisation: Food safety governance
The Human Foods Program (HFP) will operate with a focused approach to risk management, divided into three parallel tracks: Microbiological Food Safety, Food Chemical Safety, and Nutrition. These tracks are designed to address the multifaceted challenges of ensuring a safe and healthy food supply.
- Microbiological Food Safety:
- The Office of Microbiological Food Safety (OMFS), led by Dr. Conrad Choiniere, will prioritise strategies to prevent pathogen-related foodborne illnesses. Collaboration with other regulatory agencies, states, and industry stakeholders is a key component of this effort.
- Food Chemical Safety:
- The Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation (OFCSDSI), directed by Mark Hartman, will focus on food chemical safety and dietary supplement policy. This office will also navigate the regulatory and scientific landscape for foods produced using innovative technologies.
- Nutrition:
- The Nutrition Center of Excellence (NCE), with Dr. Robin McKinnon serving as the acting director, will elevate nutrition science, policy, and initiatives. The NCE aims to reduce diet-related chronic diseases, improve health equity, and ensure the safety and adequacy of infant formula.
Strategic direction and vision
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods will provide critical leadership and strategic direction for all HFP activities, including food-related inspections and investigations.
The program’s overarching vision is to ensure that food serves as a source of wellness for all U.S. consumers, promoting health through proactive, science-driven measures.
FY 2025 Priority Deliverables
While the HFP is developing a multi-year strategic plan, it has identified key deliverables for FY 2025 across its three core risk management areas: Microbiological Food Safety, Food Chemical Safety, and Nutrition.
These deliverables emphasise regulatory oversight, policy initiatives, scientific advancement, and enhanced partnerships.
- Strengthening Regulatory Oversight:
- The HFP will prioritise the implementation of new regulations and guidelines to enhance food safety standards. This includes focusing on preventive measures to mitigate risks associated with microbiological contamination and chemical hazards.
- The program will also emphasise rigorous inspections and investigations, leveraging the Office of Inspections & Investigations (OII) to ensure compliance and address potential violations.
- The program will also work to continue the overall transformation of the organisation.
- Advancing Science and Policy:
- The HFP will invest in scientific research to better understand foodborne illnesses, chemical exposures, and nutritional needs. This research will inform evidence-based decision-making and policy development.
- The program will also work on developing and updating policies related to dietary supplements, food additives, and innovative food technologies.
- Emphasis will be placed on improving public health equity and reducing diet-related chronic diseases.
- Enhancing Partnerships and Engagement:
- The HFP will foster collaboration with other regulatory agencies, state and local governments, industry stakeholders, and consumer groups.
- The program will prioritise public outreach and education to raise awareness about food safety and nutrition, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
- The FDA will also focus on transparency and accountability and will provide updates on the FY 2025 priority deliverables as progress is made throughout the year.
Designed for public health and organisational effectiveness
The HFP’s design reflects a commitment to public health and organisational effectiveness. By centralising risk management activities and unifying food-related functions, the FDA aims to ensure a consistent, systematic, and intentional approach to its regulatory responsibilities. This strategic reorganisation will enable the agency to more efficiently leverage resources and address the evolving challenges of the food industry.
