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Academy Commends FDA for New Human Foods Executive Position


August 25, 2023 – The Academy commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for appointing the agency’s first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. James “Jim” Jones will lead efforts to set and advance priorities for a proposed unified Human Foods Program. This initiative will address food safety, chemical safety and innovative products to support the food supply chain.

“The infant formula shortage families faced last year severely impacted our country’s most vulnerable populations and communities and those with metabolic disorders,” said Academy President Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND. “We know the first thousand days of life are critical for establishing long-term health. The Academy appreciates FDA’s appointment of a deputy commissioner for human foods to address food safety and mitigate future supply chain issues.”

The infant formula shortage affected infants as well as children who require special feedings and rely on therapeutic formulas to meet their nutritional needs. Throughout the shortage, registered dietitian nutritionists helped families identify appropriate and safe formula alternatives, especially for critical-needs infants.

The Academy has advocated for a review of laws and regulations for infant formula, as well as the country’s overall food supply, to safeguard a stable and safe future supply, from production and oversight to access and affordability.

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