Funding cuts threaten food safety inspections nationwide

Recent cuts in funding and staffing for food safety programs are raising serious concerns. The Trump administration halted some food testing and closed a committee focused on bacteria in infant formula. This follows earlier cutbacks under the Biden administration, which have started to impact state laboratories and food inspectors. In recent years, foodborne illnesses have caused serious health issues. For example, bacteria in infant formula have made babies sick. Listeria in deli meat has led to 10 deaths and around 60 hospitalizations across 19 states. Lead-laden applesauce pouches have also poisoned children. In each case, officials were able to trace sick individuals back to contaminated products and ensure they were removed from stores. However, staff reductions and cutbacks threaten these efforts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is particularly affected. A freeze on government spending ordered by the Trump administration has limited staff from purchasing food for important safety tests. The FDA's $34 million funding cut could decrease the number of employees responsible for testing and ensuring that dangerous products are kept off shelves. Additionally, the Agriculture Department dismantled a committee that was working on guidelines to address harmful bacteria. This committee was also creating educational resources for new parents regarding the risks found in powdered infant formula. An email from the Trump administration indicated that further development of their recommendations would be halted.