Florida attorney Kyle Diamantas has been named Acting Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He replaces Jim Jones, who resigned on February 17, 2025
FDA employees overseeing food ingredients received calls and emails notifying them that their recent terminations had been “rescinded effective immediately,”
As the food industry faces increasing uncertainty under the new administration and new regulations, being recall ready is more important than ever. The transition highlights the challenges that shifting federal priorities create for maintaining consistent food safety practices across our industry. Even with the most stringent food safety protocols in place, every food business is vulnerable to safety breaches – and subsequent recalls.
Safety-focused communication strengthens every link in the food supply chain. Informed employees can spot potential issues early, trained vendors can follow precise handling procedures, and educated consumers can make smarter storage decisions. When each participant understands their role in maintaining food safety, the entire system benefits through consistent quality, reduced waste, and increased market confidence.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. There have been 38 illnesses associated with the strain of Listeria monocytogenes and 11 deaths.
“Unfortunately, the Agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the Agency’s current needs, and your performance has not been adequate to justify further employment at the Agency,” said the letters.
The head of the food division at FDA quit in protest over staff cuts that he warns will hamper the agency’s ability to protect public health.
While prevention must always be our primary focus, if significant events do occur, I hope what we’ve done serves as the new playbook and expectation – conduct a proper and thorough root cause investigation to determine with specificity what happened, implement science-based and effective controls, and tell that public what you’ve done to prevent it from ever happening again. – Frank Yiannas
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents makers of ultraprocessed foods, issued a pointed statement, reminding Mr. Kennedy that they are the nation’s largest manufacturing employer, and that they would like to see aspects of the status quo remain in place.
In the dynamic and complex food industry landscape, the role of a food safety consultant is crucial. They provide expert guidance, advice, and assistance to ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
