In a move raising major concerns across the food industry, the FDA shuts down food safety quality checks amid staff cuts, putting key food testing programs on hold. According to Reuters, an internal FDA email revealed that due to a wave of layoffs, the agency has paused its laboratory quality control programs — a decision that could impact national food safety.
The cuts are reportedly impacting testing for Cyclospora in spinach and glyphosate pesticide in barley, two areas that are essential for tracking contamination risks.
The suspended programs are part of the FDA’s Human Food Program based at the Moffett Center and linked to the Food Emergency Response Network, which coordinates federal and state labs during foodborne outbreaks.
Cyclospora, Glyphosate, and Bird Flu Testing Cut Amid FDA Staffing Crisis
The email obtained by Reuters noted that staff reductions included a key quality assurance officer, an analytical chemist, and two microbiologists. Without this team, the agency reportedly lacks sufficient resources to conduct quality checks for multiple pathogens and contaminants.
Among the suspended tests are:
- Cyclospora: A parasite often found in imported produce like leafy greens. It causes severe intestinal illness.
- Glyphosate: A controversial pesticide commonly sprayed on grains like barley. It’s currently under scrutiny for potential health risks.
- Bird Flu in Dairy Products: Earlier this month, the FDA also suspended its initiative to improve bird flu testing in milk and dairy amid the same staffing shortages.
The suspension is currently set to last through September 30, but critics worry this will delay data on contamination risks and slow down responses to foodborne illness outbreaks.
Why It Matters That the FDA Shuts Down Food Safety Quality Checks Amid Staff Cuts
With the FDA’s internal food lab controls on pause, experts say this increases the risk of contaminated products reaching consumers. Not only are quality checks for existing contaminants suspended, but initiatives to expand surveillance are now on hold.
“These PTs and Exercises are critical to demonstrating the competency and readiness of our laboratory network to detect and respond to food safety and food defense events,”
This is particularly alarming given rising consumer concern over pesticide residues and parasitic outbreaks. Glyphosate, the pesticide in question, has been at the center of lawsuits linking it to health risks. Meanwhile, Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to spinach, cilantro, and imported lettuce in the past.
The Food Emergency Response Network, designed to handle public health emergencies in the food supply, could also be affected, weakening the nation’s ability to quickly respond to outbreaks.
Conclusion: FDA Shuts Down Food Safety Quality Checks Amid Staff Cuts — What You Need to Know
The fact that the FDA shuts down food safety quality checks amid staff cuts is more than a bureaucratic shuffle — it’s a public health warning. With critical testing paused for months, there are growing concerns over how safe our food really is.