Outgoing FDA Commissioner Robert Califf discusses agency’s uncertain future

On Jan. 20, Dr. Robert M. Califf bid farewell to his role as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in a reflective post on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting the agency’s progress and ongoing challenges.

Califf’s departure comes at a time of uncertainty for the FDA, with the incoming administration of President Donald Trump nominating vocal FDA critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

In his farewell post, Califf shared insights from his two terms as FDA Commissioner, noting the significant strides made during his most recent tenure, which began in February 2022 under President Joe Biden. “I was driven by the mission of service to the public, the tremendous people at the FDA, and the recognition that there was an opportunity to contribute to public health in the waning years of my career,” he wrote.

Califf’s second stint as commissioner followed a challenging confirmation process that underscored the political hurdles faced by the FDA. Despite bipartisan support, his nomination was met with resistance from several Democratic senators and anti-abortion advocates, largely because of concerns about his previous ties to the pharmaceutical industry and controversial approvals of opioid painkillers.

During his second tour with FDA, Califf emphasized the agency’s role in addressing critical food safety issues, including responding to the infant formula crisis and outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza. He noted that the agency underwent the largest reorganization in its history, aimed at bolstering the Human Foods Program to address microbiologic food safety, food chemical safety and nutrition.

“Today we are much better configured to deal with the tripartite Human Foods Program mission,” Califf wrote. “The building blocks are coming into place for the exciting transformation of inspections, investigations, and imports.”

Califf also highlighted the FDA’s efforts in modernizing supply chain systems, combating misinformation and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance regulatory processes. However, he acknowledged the challenges that remain, particularly in the fight against misinformation, which he described as a “major public health crisis.”

Leadership in transition
Califf’s departure coincides with significant political shifts. President Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS has sparked concern among some public health experts and FDA staff. Kennedy, a vocal critic of the FDA, has pledged to dismantle “entire departments” within the agency, calling it a “corrupt system.”

Califf has said that remaking the FDA may not be as straightforward — or as desirable — as it seems from the outside. 

A legacy of progress and challenges
Califf leaves behind a mixed legacy, with notable achievements in advancing regulatory science and addressing public health crises. Under his leadership, the FDA launched initiatives to improve cosmetic safety, enhance rare disease research and reduce teenage e-cigarette use. His efforts to modernize the agency’s infrastructure have positioned it to better address emerging challenges, including the use of gene editing in food production.

“I leave with the satisfaction that much has been accomplished, that consumers and patients are better off because of our staff’s work during my tenure,” Califf wrote. “Commissioners come and go, but this workforce is the foundation for much of American health and well-being.”

As Califf transitions to life outside public service, the FDA faces an uncertain future. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signaling significant changes, the agency’s food safety mission and broader public health objectives may be reshaped in ways that last well beyond the current administration.

For now, Califf remains optimistic about the agency’s resilience. “You can be sure that I will be cheering them on from the sidelines and looking to help where I can,” he concluded.

Califf full remarks can be found here.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/01/outgoing-fda-commissioner-robert-califf-discusses-agencys-uncertain-future/