FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones resigned on Monday, February 17, following the Trump administration’s decision to terminate 89 employees from the agency’s Human Foods Program. According to news reports from national news networks, Jones described the mass layoffs as an “indiscriminate” attack on food safety oversight.
Jones, appointed in September 2023 as the first FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, played a key role in enhancing food safety measures and reducing diet-related chronic diseases.
Multiple media outlets reported Jones’ resignation letter to Sara Brenner, acting FDA commissioner, cited his concern over the termination of 89 employees, including ten chemical safety experts who evaluated dangerous food ingredients.
“These actions make it impossible for me to fulfill my responsibilities,” Jones wrote.
The layoffs, part of a broader effort by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, have affected multiple federal agencies. Other high-profile resignations include Social Security Administration Acting Commissioner Michelle King and U.S. Treasury official David Lebryk.
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Trump Administration Defends Firings
The White House defended the layoffs, stating that the administration aims to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“President Trump is only interested in the best and most qualified people who support his America First agenda,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.”
Impact on FDA and Food Safety
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has prioritized eliminating harmful food chemicals, but Jones warned that the staffing cuts would hinder those efforts.
Industry experts, including the Council for Responsible Nutrition, have expressed concern about the FDA’s ability to effectively oversee dietary supplements and food safety.
“As the FDA deputy commissioner steps down, it’s critical that the agency maintains adequate staffing and expertise to uphold consumer confidence in the food supply,” the group said.
The Future of the FDA’s Human Foods Program is uncertain
With Jones’ departure, the long-term impact of the layoffs remains unclear.
Public health advocates worry that reduced oversight could weaken food safety regulations and consumer protections. The FDA has not announced Jones’ replacement.