Understanding Key U.S. Health and Safety Agencies: The FDA Restructuring and Functions of the USDA, CDC, HHS, FSIS, EPA, and NIH
In the United States, multiple federal agencies work together to protect public health, safety, and welfare. These agencies often collaborate on food safety, healthcare, public health initiatives, environmental protections, and medical research. Here’s a breakdown of the primary functions of some of the major health and safety agencies, with a spotlight on the FDA’s recent restructuring. Let’s explore the roles of the FDA, USDA, CDC, HHS, FSIS, EPA, and NIH and how they contribute to keeping the public safe and informed. These agencies play a role in food, nutrition, and health regardless of your political stance. However, a troubling trend has been on the rise in recent years - the widespread undermining of science and research by politicians and others who lack the expertise to speak authoritatively on these subjects.
Now, before we get too far into this, I want to make a few things clear:
I am a very facts & research based person. It is hard for me to align with a specific political group entirely given the vast array of topics and positions. Given this, I do not intend for this posting to be a 'Democrat vs Republican' opinion debate, nor do I intend for words and facts/opinions shared in this writing to be applied to any government candidates, parties, agencies, etc. on the whole.
Given my statement above, this article does not reflect my personal voting or political views beyond the current state of Healthcare and Food/Nutrition Oversight.
Nutrition and Politics intertwine much more than many Registered Dietitians would like. (myself included). I have seen SO MANY comments and negativity towards Registered Dietitians and other healthcare professionals online for speaking about some of the concerns I will also address here....
It is extremely hurtful to the many Registered Dietitians (again, myself included!), when we DO try to speak about nutrition related to politics, just to be told to 'shut up', "stick with nutrition, not politics", "we don't want to hear about your political views", "who are you being paid off by?"... etc.
As pointed out, unfortunately nutrition & politics have a fair amount of overlap, seeing as many of these government agencies oversee our food supply & food safety... & at last check, food is pretty connected with nutrition.... so.......
If ALL of these Registered Dietitians and Nutrition Experts and Healthcare Professionals were being paid off by the government / big business, don't you think you would meet more wealthy dietitians?? Why would so many RDs be FIGHTING for pay that is actually reflective of their work? Let's be transparent here:
Clinical Registered Dietitian starting in 2014 (after 4 years of college, B.S., 1 year internship, & pass national exam) = $25.00 / hour
Most I have made / year was as a Nutrition Care Manager for a Nursing Home and Skilled Care Facility. I absolutely hated the job, took care of all types of manager duties + had my clinical work I was responsible for... Let's just say, I wasn't paid NEARLY enough for the stress, workload, and hours of that job... (salary would have ended up ~$60k/year, I was working nearly 12 hour days...)
NICU Dietitian = ~$24.00/ hour (Yes, I took a big pay cut and made less than I did even at my starting job, but the experience was well worth it)
Moved to Ohio: Clinical Registered Dietitian (Float) = started ~$28.00 / hour ; left ~$ 30.50 / hour
So, yeah, I don't see where my riches are???
Any time a Registered Dietitian or Healthcare Professional is paid by a company or brand, it is an ethical obligation to disclose this! We could lose our license or ability to practice if this is not done!
You'll notice, any time I have been paid or worked directly with a brand in Baby Food & Fun world, I will ALWAYS express that it is Sponsored Content, an Ad, an Affiliate Link, etc.
To date, since Baby Food and Fun started on Instagram in May 2022, I have made ~$3,000 in Brand work and Sponsorships. + I am picky about my projects, I only work in evidence-based world. So yeah, I wouldn't say we are 'paid off' by any means...
How can the medical profession be heard if we are being told to shut up? If we are constantly undermined and told to stop talking, even when the topic is directly related to our medical area of expertise? Is that Democracy...?
Regardless of your overall political affiliation, the current public health and policy focus is one that we should all be paying attention to...
Health professionals, including Registered Dietitians, advocate for policies rooted in scientifically validated research to guide public health practices. Concerns arise when public figures promote unsubstantiated claims about health, vaccines, toxins, and chronic illnesses, as these can lead to confusion, reduced confidence, and misinformation about disease prevention. Evidence-based guidance is essential for protecting community health, especially for vulnerable groups. We emphasize the importance of science-backed information in addressing health challenges and formulating policies that prioritize safe and effective health interventions.
ugh...
Throughout the article, I will share some 'Reality Time' & topics / concerns that would make a BIG difference in "Making America Healthy Again", as we see first hand in the nutrition and health field. In food and nutrition, it’s essential to base research and policy on science rather than opinion. Scientific evidence ensures recommendations are reliable, effective, and safe. Credentials, like those of Registered Dietitians (RDs), are important because they signify the necessary education and expertise to interpret complex nutritional science correctly. Without this foundation, opinions can lead to misinformation that risks public health. By prioritizing science and professional qualifications, we ensure that policies and recommendations are grounded in the best available evidence, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole. It is essentially important for us to keep the FULL science and picture in mind..
1. FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
The FDA is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for regulating food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and more. Established in 1906 with the passage of the Pure Food and Drugs Act, the FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety and efficacy.
Key Functions:
Product Approval: The FDA reviews and approves new drugs, medical devices, and biological products based on scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy before they enter the U.S. market.
Food Safety: The FDA regulates about 80% of the nation’s food supply, setting safety standards, monitoring recalls, and conducting inspections.
Consumer Protection: From food labels to drug safety warnings, the FDA ensures that consumers have accurate information to make informed choices.
Recent Restructuring:
In 2024, the FDA announced a major restructuring to streamline its operations, especially in its food regulation functions. This restructuring includes:
Human Foods Program: This new program unites the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) with the Office of Food Policy and Response (OFPR). The goal is to create a unified team for food safety and nutrition.
Center for Excellence in Nutrition: Aiming to provide leadership on nutrition policies and health education.
Human Foods Advisory Committee: Comprised of external experts to address emerging issues and guide policy-making.
A central component of this reorganization is the creation of the Human Foods Program, which consolidates several areas previously managed across multiple FDA divisions. This new program brings together the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and the Office of Food Policy and Response (OFPR) under one leader, who will report directly to the FDA Commissioner. This unified oversight aims to streamline FDA’s processes, enabling it to respond more effectively to public health needs in food safety and nutrition
Key additions include a new Center for Excellence in Nutrition and an Office of Integrated Food Safety System Partnerships, which will prioritize consumer education on nutrition and increase collaboration with state and local regulators to better enforce food safety measures. An advisory committee of external experts will also support the FDA’s decision-making on emerging food safety challenges. Additionally, the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) will refocus on core tasks like inspections and investigations, working closely with the new Human Foods Program to support FDA's regulatory activities across all food safety areas
This reorganization is anticipated to improve efficiency, communication, improve safety oversight, strengthen collaboration with state / local officials, and resource management in areas like nutrition guidance, foodborne illness prevention, and emergency response, enhancing the FDA's role in protecting public health in the food sector without fundamentally changing its core mission.
5 Fun Facts About:🍎 FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
Established in 1906, the FDA’s origins go back to protecting consumers from unsafe foods and medicines.
The FDA regulates more than 20% of all consumer products sold in the U.S.!
Before a new drug reaches the market, it typically goes through about 10 years of FDA review and testing.
The FDA inspects food processing plants to ensure they meet strict health and safety standards.
Each year, the FDA monitors millions of imports to ensure safety and quality.
Reality Time:
Deputy Commissioner of FDA, Dr. Califf & Human Foods Commissioner, Jim Jones, continue to focus on moving the food label to the front of food packages as well as determining a symbol and definition for "healthy"
Food recalls remain rampant with poor facility inspection reports & poor authority, management, or action in SO MANY AREAS
Mr. Jim Jones confirmed recently that state & local inspectors will be seeing a 30% funding cut in 2025.........
the FDA is in the middle of a restructure - are we really going to dismantle something that isn't even put back together yet?
FDA has long been working on chemicals and heavy metals. through an initiative called, "Closer To Zero". This continues to be a focus and has been ramped up.
Staffing Shortfalls: The FDA has been heavily criticized for chronic staffing shortages, especially in the food safety sector, which limits inspection capacity and oversight Safety Funding Gaps**: Despite overseeing 80% of the U.S. food supply, the FDA’s budget for food safety is significantly smaller than that for drugs and medical devices, creating safety gaps .
Cosmetic Oversight Limits: Unlike food and drugs, the FDA has minimal control over cosmetics, which do not require pre-market approval.
Dietary Supplement Oversight: FDA doesn’t regulate supplements as rigorously as drugs, which can allow unsafe products.
The backlog of work at FDA in some areas can be literally a year+........
Slow Drug Approval: Some lifesaving drugs take years for approval, which delays patient access.
Same goes for medical devices...
Oh yeah, did I mention that FDA didn't really get additional funding through all this?
2. USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
The USDA supports American agriculture, ensures food safety, and improves rural infrastructure. With more than 29 agencies and offices, the USDA oversees the national forests, conservation efforts, and nutrition programs that support millions of Americans.
Key Functions:
Agricultural Support and Research: The USDA provides grants, research, and education to support farmers and sustainable agriculture practices.
Nutrition Assistance Programs: Administering SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the National School Lunch Program, the USDA fights food insecurity.
Food Safety: Through the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the USDA ensures that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled.
The USDA also promotes international trade, expanding markets for U.S. agricultural products and developing food safety standards that apply both domestically and internationally
5 Fun Facts About: 🌾 USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
The USDA manages over 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands.
It funds food assistance programs that help 1 in 4 Americans every year.
USDA inspectors oversee the safety of meat, poultry, and egg production, visiting facilities daily.
The USDA provides grants to support sustainable farming practices and research.
Through SNAP, the USDA provides vital food support to over 40 million Americans.
Reality Time:
Food Deserts are plentiful in America. Why not make the prime goal to bring fresh foods to those with limited access?...
Inspections may as well be from the same agency as FDA with how facility inspection reports look... Even with inspectors on site on the daily...
Childhood hunger remains a true problem in America...
As of October 2023, nearly 28 million U.S. adults—about 12.5% of the adult population—reported experiencing food insecurity, meaning they lacked sufficient access to food at some point during the week. This is the highest level since the early COVID-19 pandemic USAFACTS
Childhood Hunger: In 2022, roughly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. faced hunger. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are crucial for assisting families, though they often face funding challenges FEEDING AMERICA
SNAP Cutbacks: Recent budget adjustments reduced benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), directly impacting millions of food-insecure Americans
Food Waste: Despite food insecurity, the U.S. wastes about 30-40% of its food supply, and struggle to reduce this waste
Animal Welfare: The USDA has faced criticism for weak enforcement of animal welfare in livestock facilities.
Factory Farming Support: USDA has been criticized for supporting large-scale, intensive farming.
Lax Organic Standards: USDA’s organic standards allow some synthetic pesticides and chemicals.
Funding is an ongoing issue.
3. HHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal agency for protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services. This department houses agencies like the FDA and CDC and oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and other significant programs.
Key Functions:
Healthcare Coverage and Policy: HHS administers programs like Medicare and Medicaid, providing healthcare coverage to millions of Americans.
Public Health Leadership: Through agencies such as the CDC and FDA, HHS leads initiatives to prevent disease, regulate medical products, and respond to health emergencies.
Social and Community Services: HHS supports services for vulnerable populations, including Head Start for children, foster care, and elder care programs.
HHS plays a pivotal role in setting national health policies and providing funding to state and local governments for health and human service programs
5 Fun Facts About: 🏥 HHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
HHS oversees Medicare and Medicaid, which serve nearly 150 million Americans combined.
The department’s CDC and FDA branches were central to the U.S. COVID-19 response.
HHS administers the Head Start program, which provides early childhood education and health services.
The department develops federal health policies to improve healthcare affordability and access.
HHS also funds substance abuse and mental health programs through its SAMHSA division.
Reality Time:
Limited Public Health Funding: HHS often lacks enough funding to address urgent health issues promptly.
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud: Billions of dollars lost annually to fraud in government healthcare programs.
Mental Health Program Shortfalls: Limited funding restricts access to mental health services.
Child Welfare Services: HHS oversees child welfare programs, including foster care and adoption.
Healthcare Policy: HHS policies influence everything from hospital standards to mental health support.
Healthcare Accessibility: Despite HHS efforts, millions of Americans remain without insurance, and significant disparities in access to healthcare continue to persist across various communities.
4. FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service)
The FSIS is an agency within the USDA responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. FSIS inspectors work in slaughterhouses and processing plants to monitor food safety compliance.
Key Functions:
Daily Inspections: FSIS inspectors are present at facilities every day to monitor food safety practices and enforce standards.
Recall Authority: FSIS can issue recalls for contaminated or improperly labeled meat and poultry products.
Public Education: FSIS provides guidance on safe food handling practices, helping reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
FSIS works closely with the FDA and CDC on foodborne illness outbreaks, ensuring a collaborative approach to food safety across different types of food products
5 Fun Facts About: 🔪 FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service)
FSIS inspects nearly 7,600 meat, poultry, and egg facilities across the U.S. to ensure safety.
It issues recalls when meat, poultry, or egg products are found to be contaminated.
FSIS inspectors are in meat processing plants every day to monitor compliance.
The agency works closely with local and state health departments to prevent foodborne illnesses.
FSIS provides food safety education to help consumers handle food safely at home.
Reality Time:
Outdated Meat Standards: FSIS still operates under outdated meat safety standards from the 1990s.
Limited Poultry Inspections: FSIS allows high-speed processing lines that make contamination checks harder.
Worker Health Risks: Slaughterhouse conditions are often criticized for unsafe working conditions.
Recalls After-the-Fact: Many recalls happen only after people have fallen ill, rather than preemptively.
5. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The CDC is America’s leading public health institute. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the CDC is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and focuses on protecting public health through disease prevention, research, and health promotion.
Key Functions:
Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response: The CDC monitors disease outbreaks and provides critical information to prevent their spread.
Health Education and Promotion: Through public health campaigns, the CDC promotes healthy lifestyle choices and provides health resources to the public.
Emergency Preparedness: The CDC prepares for and responds to health emergencies, from natural disasters to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
The CDC also collaborates internationally to combat global health threats, making it a vital player in health security both domestically and abroad
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5 Fun Facts About: 🦠 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The CDC tracks and manages over 60 infectious diseases, from the flu to COVID-19.
It operates the National Immunization Program, which helps improve vaccine access and education.
CDC researchers have contributed to life-saving public health initiatives, like anti-smoking campaigns.
The CDC has a Global Disease Detection program to respond quickly to international health threats.
It provides crucial health data to the public and policymakers, guiding U.S. health practices.
Reality Time:
Data Gaps: CDC’s outdated data systems can delay timely disease reporting and response.
COVID-19 Communication: Mixed messaging during the pandemic led to public confusion.
Funding Fluctuations: CDC budget depends on political climate, which can disrupt public health programs.
Chronic Disease Challenges: Chronic diseases, a leading cause of death, often receive less attention in prevention efforts compared to communicable diseases, despite their significant impact on public health.
Underfunded Programs: The CDC’s funding has not kept pace with growing health needs, limiting its ability to effectively address disease prevention and respond to outbreaks.
Limited Enforcement Power: CDC can only advise on health measures, not enforce them.
Inconsistent Recommendations: Changing guidelines have sometimes undermined CDC’s credibility.
6. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
The EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. Established in 1970, the EPA enforces regulations to safeguard air and water quality, reduce pollution, and support sustainable environmental practices.
Key Functions:
Environmental Regulation and Enforcement: The EPA sets and enforces standards for clean air, water, and waste disposal.
Climate Change Initiatives: The EPA leads efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources.
Environmental Justice Programs: The EPA works to ensure that all communities, especially marginalized ones, have access to a clean environment.
The EPA’s initiatives, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, have led to substantial improvements in environmental quality across the United States
5 Fun Facts About: 🌿 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
The EPA enforces the Clean Air Act, which has helped reduce air pollution in the U.S. by 70% since 1970.
It’s responsible for the Superfund program, which cleans up hazardous waste sites across the U.S.
The EPA’s Energy Star program helps Americans save on energy costs and reduce emissions.
The EPA monitors water quality and safety to protect both humans and wildlife.
Through environmental justice programs, the EPA works to address pollution impacts in vulnerable communities.
Reality Time:
Enforcement Variability: EPA’s enforcement of pollution standards can vary by administration.
Water Safety Issues: EPA has struggled to address contaminants like lead in drinking water nationwide.
Air Quality Monitoring Gaps: Many communities still lack adequate air quality monitoring, even though it is the EPA’s responsibility to oversee and improve air pollution standards
Clean Water Funding Shortfall: With aging water infrastructure in need of significant upgrades, EPA funding has failed to meet the growing demand for improvements
Industry Influence: EPA has faced criticism over ties with industries it regulates, potentially influencing policy.
7. NIH (National Institutes of Health)
The NIH is the world’s largest biomedical research agency, funding critical research to advance our understanding of diseases and develop new treatments. NIH is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Key Functions:
Research Funding and Grants: NIH provides funding for biomedical research projects across the U.S. and internationally.
Clinical Trials and Medical Research: NIH supports clinical trials to develop new therapies, diagnostics, and preventive strategies for a wide range of conditions.
Health Education: NIH provides public access to scientific findings and educational materials, helping people make informed health decisions.
NIH’s contributions to medical science have led to life-saving discoveries and advancements, from vaccines to cancer treatments
5 Fun Facts About: 🧬 NIH (National Institutes of Health)
NIH is the world’s largest funder of biomedical research, supporting scientists in over 100 countries.
NIH research has led to major medical breakthroughs, including vaccines and treatments for chronic diseases.
It houses 27 different institutes, each focused on different areas of health, like cancer and aging.
NIH-funded research helped advance the understanding of COVID-19 and develop vaccines.
The NIH Library offers millions of research papers and health resources for public access.
Reality Time:
Animal Testing Criticism: NIH faces criticism for animal testing practices considered outdated by some.
Grant Access Challenges: Smaller institutions often struggle to compete for NIH research grants.
Bureaucracy Delays: Red tape can slow down research approvals and impact project timelines.
Funding Inequities: Some diseases receive far less funding than others, despite high patient numbers.
Conclusion
These agencies collectively play a vital role in safeguarding public health and ensuring the quality and safety of food, medications, healthcare, and the environment. With the FDA’s restructuring, these agencies are adapting to address new challenges in food safety and public health, while maintaining their long-standing missions. Whether it’s overseeing food safety, conducting biomedical research, protecting the environment, or promoting public health, these agencies are integral to the well-being of U.S. citizens.
Understanding the roles of these agencies can help individuals make informed decisions and recognize the support they provide for public safety, health, and welfare. As they evolve to meet modern demands, the collaboration between the FDA, USDA, CDC, HHS, FSIS, EPA, and NIH demonstrates a unified approach to ensuring a safer, healthier future for all. Let's just pray that they keep the science at the forefront.
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