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Senators question FDA on inspections, supply‑chain resilience and cosmetics implementation
Summary
Committee members pressed FDA leadership about post‑pandemic inspection staffing, infant formula and saline supply resilience, and implementation of the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act; Commissioner Califf described a human foods reorganization, hiring efforts, a critical foods office for infant formula, and remaining resource needs for GMPs under MOCRA.
Multiple senators used the hearing to press FDA on the agency's capacity to inspect food, manage supply risks, and implement recently enacted authorities for cosmetics.
Senator Bill Cassidy raised reports of short supplies of saline and IV fluids and asked whether FDA can more rapidly authorize foreign facilities in emergencies; Commissioner Califf said FDA must ensure imported products are safe and offered to follow up with specifics.
On inspections, senators including Cassidy and Tina Smith discussed declines during the pandemic and possible cuts that could affect state inspection programs. Califf said the Human Foods Program reorganization aims to increase investigator capacity and improve information systems to target inspections more effectively; he cited hiring challenges and asked Congress for funding to staff needed positions.
Regarding infant formula supply resiliency, Deputy Commissioner Jones described a new Office of Critical Foods and a dedicated inspector cadre that now inspects infant formula manufacturers annually (the statute requires inspections every three years), plus monthly reporting from manufacturers to improve monitoring.
Senator Murray and others asked about implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MOCRA). Califf said FDA has established facility and product registration and an adverse‑event reporting system but that good manufacturing practices remain on the agency’s work plan and will require more funding to complete in a timely way.
No formal votes followed; the committee requested more detailed metrics and information for the record as it continues oversight of FDA capacity and implementation priorities.
