James Jones acknowledged the nebulous nature of his position at the FDA when he reported for duty on 25 September.

“It’s an honor to be stepping into the role of Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, even as the work of building the new Human Foods Program lies ahead,” Jones said in a message to FDA staff.

“I came here to lead our transformation into a single program that enhances coordination, prevention and response activities. I am keenly aware of this extraordinary opportunity to modernize and integrate our food safety system and enhance our work to improve nutrition,” he added.

Jones joins the FDA not only from operating an environmental consultancy after a 30-year career at the Environmental Protection Agency but also from participating in the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s review of the FDA’s food safety programs. ([A#RS153190])

In the FDA’s announcement of his appointment in August, Jones noted working on the panel and providing “operational recommendations for the FDA's foods-related activities.” (Also see "US FDA’s First Deputy Commissioner For Foods Studied For Post In Agency’s External Review" - HBW Insight, 23 August, 2023.)

"As a former pesticide regulator, I have a deep understanding of the unique needs of government programs involved in upholding safety of the US food supply, as well as the important role that the agriculture community and state partners play in this paradigm,” he said.

Good ‘Fit’ For Regulation Shifting US FDA's ODSP Into Larger Food Safety Program – Director

More from Regulation

More from Policy & Regulation