FDA Gets Time Check With New Food Commissioner

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue faster, more efficient regulation and enforcement of the US food industry under the new commissioner of food and drugs Margaret A Hamburg.

Hamburg says past delays had stymied efforts to address violations, leaving the public vulnerable.

With new post-inspection deadlines, however, and efforts to speed the warning process, consumers would be better protected and the FDA more in charge.

“The FDA must be vigilant, the FDA must be strategic, the FDA must be quick and the FDA must be visible,” Hamburg said.

“We must get the word out that the FDA is on the job.”

Hamburg says the regulatory body also plans to work closer with regulatory partners and will make efforts to ensure immediate action is taken in response to public health risks.

Formal warning letters will also be developed and given priority by the agency.