Jim Jones, Head of the FDA’s Food Division, resigns amid widespread staff cuts, citing concerns over the agency’s ability to ensure food safety.
At a Glance
- Jim Jones resigns as Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at FDA after 89 “indiscriminate” layoffs
- Layoffs affected staff with expertise in nutrition, infant formula, and food safety
- Jones expressed concerns about implementing changes sought by the Trump administration
- Trump nominates Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon, to lead the FDA
- Resignation reflects broader criticism of the administration’s approach to regulatory agencies
FDA Food Chief Resigns Amid Staffing Cuts
Jim Jones, the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has resigned from his position following widespread staff cuts within the agency. Jones, who began his role in September 2023, cited the layoff of 89 employees in the Human Foods Program as the primary reason for his departure.
The layoffs, described by Jones as “indiscriminate,” affected staff with expertise in critical areas such as nutrition, infant formula, and food safety. Notably, ten of the terminated employees were responsible for reviewing potentially unsafe food ingredients, a move that contradicts recent demands from Congress and the public for improved food ingredient safety reviews.
Impact on Food Safety and Regulatory Oversight
Jones’ resignation has raised concerns about the FDA’s ability to maintain effective oversight of food safety and nutrition. During his tenure, Jones was known for his efforts to enhance federal food chemical oversight and led the ban on red dye No. 3, which was later revoked under the Biden administration.
“I was looking forward to working to pursue the department’s agenda of improving the health of Americans by reducing diet-related chronic disease and risks from chemicals in food,” Jim Jones said.
Jones’s departure, coupled with the significant staff reductions, has drawn criticism from consumer advocacy groups. Brian Ronholm of Consumer Reports called the firings “disjointed and disruptive,” while Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group emphasized Jones’ irreplaceable expertise in chemical safety.
Trump Administration’s Approach to Federal Agencies
The layoffs at the FDA are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the workforce at federal agencies. This approach has been met with resistance from some career bureaucrats, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“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,” Karoline Leavitt said.
In response to the ongoing changes, President Trump has nominated Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon, to lead the FDA, pending confirmation. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as Health and Human Services secretary, marking a significant shift in leadership for health-related federal agencies.
