FDA Food Chief Jim Jones resigns amid Trump administration’s mass layoffs, citing dismantling of crucial food safety division.
At a Glance
- Jim Jones, Head of FDA’s Food Division, resigned after 89 staff members were fired
- Layoffs affected experts in nutrition, infant formula, and food safety
- Trump administration defends firings as necessary for streamlining operations
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., new HHS Secretary, criticized FDA’s past actions
- Concerns raised about impact on food safety and regulatory oversight
FDA Food Chief Resigns Amid Controversy
In a significant shake-up at the Food and Drug Administration, Jim Jones, Head of the agency’s Food Division, has resigned his position. Jones cited widespread firings by the Trump administration as the primary reason for his departure, claiming that these actions effectively dismantled the group responsible for ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply.
The resignation comes in the wake of 89 layoffs within the food division, affecting staff with expertise in critical areas such as nutrition, infant formula, and food safety. These job cuts have raised concerns about the FDA’s ability to maintain its regulatory oversight and protect public health.
The Trump administration has defended the firings as necessary for streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across federal agencies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue, stating that the administration’s goal is to hire the most qualified individuals to implement its agenda.
“President Trump is only interested in the best and most qualified people who are also willing to implement his America First Agenda on behalf of the American people. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay,” Leavitt said.
As of today, February 18, 2025, Jim Jones, the head of the FDA's Food Division (officially titled the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods), has resigned due to significant staff cuts within the agency. His resignation was reported on Monday, February 17, 2025, and stems from what…
— Clarence Terrell (@clarenceTerre) February 18, 2025
The FDA’s food division plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s food supply, overseeing approximately 77% of U.S. food products. Jones, who led the division since 2023, was instrumental in several key initiatives, including the ban on Red No. 3 dye and investigations into contaminated applesauce linked to lead poisoning.
However, many have questioned whether his involvement in the banning of the red dye was really based on personal belief in keeping people healthy, or anticipation of the arrival of newly-confirmed HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Critics of the layoffs, including Scott Faber from the Environmental Working Group, argue that Jones’ departure will significantly hinder efforts to improve food safety. The loss of expertise in chemical safety and other specialized areas has raised concerns about the FDA’s ability to address complex food safety challenges effectively.
But there are plenty of experts out there ready to take up the role and make changes at the kind of speed this president expects.
New Leadership and Policy Direction
The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Kennedy, known for his critical stance on existing health programs and advocacy for alternative medicine, has vowed to end what he calls the “FDA’s war on public health.”
“This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals and anything else that advances human health and can’t be patented by Pharma,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.
As the FDA navigates these significant changes, questions remain about the future direction of food safety regulation. Let’s hope Kennedy demands the FDA does more.
