FDA contracting for new hires after dismissing inspection staff

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    WASHINGTON — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently declared significant job reductions within his department but assured that the teams responsible for food and drug safety examinations in the U.S. would remain unaffected. However, while the core inspectors remain, many supporting staff members have been laid off. Those affected by the cuts include personnel tasked with organizing international travel to far-flung pharmaceutical locations in India, laboratory scientists responsible for testing food for contaminants, and communication experts responsible for publicizing safety recalls.

    These reductions could cause significant disruptions to the Food and Drug Administration’s already strained inspection operations. To mitigate potential setbacks, the agency plans to hire external contractors to assume some duties previously handled by terminated staff. Those who arranged foreign travel are expected to be among the first positions outsourced, according to sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, due to policies that prevent public discussion of internal affairs without clearance.

    The FDA has been endeavoring to strengthen its inspection capacity, a task complicated by the departure of numerous longtime inspectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenging nature of the job—characterized by extensive travel, moderate pay, and arduous conditions—has hindered efforts to attract new inspectors. Former FDA inspection leader Howard Sklamberg noted that these cutbacks, even without a reduction in inspectors, would result in diminished support and likely fewer inspections.

    FDA Commissioner Marty Makary indicated to podcast host Megyn Kelly that the layoffs have mainly affected areas such as communications, legislative affairs, and technical support. Makary emphasized that scientific reviewers, inspectors, and enforcement personnel were not impacted, asserting that his aim is to ensure these groups have the necessary resources to perform effectively.

    Despite claims of improved efficiency, the union representing FDA employees disputes the rationale behind the decision. They argue that eliminating support roles is reckless, costly, and poses greater risks to public safety. An HHS representative, while confirming the cuts to “administrative positions,” did not clarify whether hiring contractors would actually yield cost savings or heightened efficiency.

    Sklamberg anticipates that these changes may further drive away experienced inspectors, given the challenging work environment. The FDA’s struggle with retaining personnel is highlighted by the ongoing reduction in inspections, which remain at just 64% of pre-pandemic levels. The total job losses remain uncertain, and many supervisors do not yet have a clear picture of how many staff members opted for early retirement or buyouts as part of the workforce reduction efforts.

    Susan Mayne from Yale University, previously with the FDA’s food division, expressed concerns over the long-term impact of these cuts, which were not previewed with the affected teams or consulted upon with internal advisors before actions were taken. The firings concentrated on roles related to “policy” and “regulation,” as well as offices situated in higher-cost areas.

    One evident target of these reductions includes at least ten food scientists from the FDA’s San Francisco lab, a key player in rapidly testing food samples to ensure product safety and compliance. Even projects that align with Kennedy’s regulatory priorities, such as stricter oversight of food additives and chemicals, have faced staffing cuts. In Chicago, approximately 15 scientists specializing in food processing technology, who focused on reducing harmful chemicals and contaminants in packaging, lost their jobs.

    With its food specialists spread across several U.S. locations, the shutdown of different sites results in the loss of unique skills and expertise. Remaining staff are now burdened with additional responsibilities, such as notifying various stakeholders—consumers, industry professionals, and healthcare providers—of emerging safety concerns. Traditionally, this communication was handled by the media affairs division, which was recently disbanded.

    As a result, these duties have shifted to disparate teams within the agency, each dealing with a large array of issues related to food, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and tobacco, among others. Moreover, all external communications must now be channeled through the HHS press office, which is understaffed and largely unversed in the intricacies of FDA-related topics. An anonymous insider acknowledged that previous functions are no longer effectively operational.