Marion Nestle recently shared her thoughts on improving food safety in the U.S. She believes we need a single agency dedicated to food safety for better oversight. Currently, various agencies manage food safety, creating confusion and gaps in protection.
In a conversation with The Regulatory Review, Nestle highlighted a troubling situation. In late 2024, the CDC reported an E. coli outbreak linked to onions at McDonald’s, resulting in one death and over 30 hospitalizations. Earlier that year, a Listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head facility claimed ten lives. These incidents underscore the need for a stronger food safety system.
Nestle argues that the current system is fragmented. The USDA is responsible for meat and poultry safety, while the FDA oversees everything else, including produce and packaged goods. This division leads to inconsistent regulations. For example, if a sandwich has two slices of bread, the FDA oversees it; if it’s open-faced, it’s under USDA control. Such overlaps create safety risks.
She suggests unifying these agencies would streamline processes and improve resources. Currently, the FDA, which manages 80% of the food supply, receives less funding compared to the USDA. This imbalance impairs the FDA’s ability to function effectively, limiting its food inspections to just 1-2% of imports.
Nestle believes that politics has hindered the creation of a single food safety agency. Historical funding priorities and political interests have kept agencies separate. To reform this, Congress would need to agree on a plan, which has proven challenging.
When it comes to detecting food safety risks, Nestle emphasizes the importance of strong food safety plans within production facilities. The FDA can mandate these plans but USDA lacks similar authority over farms. Ensuring everyone in food production takes safety seriously is vital. Many outbreaks stem from lapses in this cultural commitment to safety.
In case of an outbreak, Nestle advocates for the FDA and USDA to have the authority to order product recalls. Currently, they often must rely on companies to voluntarily recall unsafe foods. More robust power would enable quicker responses to threats.
State and local agencies also play a role in food safety. Some states have effective health departments that work closely with food producers on safety plans. However, there’s room for improvement in many places.
Nestle notes that several agencies are involved in food safety beyond the FDA and USDA. The EPA regulates harmful pesticides, while the CDC monitors outbreaks. All these agencies contribute to a complex network aimed at ensuring food safety.
Ultimately, Nestle believes a unified approach to food safety could lead to a safer food environment for everyone.
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