The head of the FDA said he has commissioned an independent review of the agency's food and tobacco programs following months of criticism over its handling of the baby formula shortage and e-cigarette reviews.
FILE - U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the nationwide baby formula shortage on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 26, 2022. Califf said Tuesday, July 19, 2022, that he has commissioned an independent review of the FDA's food and tobacco programs following months of criticism over its handling of the baby formula shortage and e-cigarette reviews.
“Fundamental questions about the structure, function, funding and leadership need to be addressed” in the agency's food program, Califf said in a statement. The agency's tobacco center, which regulates traditional cigarettes and vaping products, is facing challenges navigating policy and enforcement issues from “an increasing number of novel products that could potentially have significant consequences for public health,” he said.