Fox News Flash top headlines for January 25
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
The federal Food and Drug Administration's top food safety official resigned Wednesday, citing concerns about the agency's oversight structure and the infant formula crisis that led to a nationwide shortage.
Frank Yiannas, the deputy commissioner for food policy and response since 2018, told FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf in an email that he would leave Feb. 24.
He said he told Califf early last year that the structure of the foods program "significantly impaired FDA's ability to operate as an integrated food team and protect the public."
YEARLY COVID VACCINE AS PROPOSED BY FDA? 'CART BEFORE THE HORSE,' SAYS DOCTOR
But Yiannas said he postponed leaving last year after learning of problems at the Abbott Laboratories infant formula plant in Michigan, which was shuttered for months because of contamination. The plant has since reopened, and Abbott is facing a Justice Department criminal investigation.
Frank Yiannas, the Food and Drug Administration's top food safety official, has announced his resignation. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Yiannas said infant formula supplies have increased and necessary monitoring is in place, making it the right time to leave FDA.
FDA PROPOSES LEAD LIMITS IN BABY FOOD
"My fervent hope is that American consumers, especially mothers and fathers of infants, never again have to face this type of preventable situation," Yiannas wrote. He called for a independent and thorough review of the crisis.
FDA spokeswoman Tara Rabin confirmed Yiannas' resignation.
Yiannas' notice comes less than a week before Califf is expected to release a response to a scathing report calling for an overhaul of the way the agency regulates human and animal foods. Currently, no single official has full oversight of FDA’s sprawling food operations.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Yiannas called for the appointment of a "fully empowered and experienced" deputy commissioner for foods, with direct oversight of those issues. Advocacy groups and several former FDA officials have also called for such a position.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
