The Reagan-Udall Foundation opened a Stakeholder Portal on September 16, 2022, to collect perspectives and experiences with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA's) human foods program. In addition, the Foundation announced a public meeting of its food-focused Independent Expert Panel.

“The Expert Panel wants to hear directly from stakeholders,” said Jane E. Henney, M.D., Chair of the foods Independent Expert Panel. “We want to hear firsthand observations about both the strengths and challenges the program faces, as well as ideas on how to best prepare for the regulatory landscape of the future.” 

The portal allows all stakeholders to share their insights about what is working in FDA’s human foods program, the challenges it faces, and suggestions to improve program operations. Comments received through the Stakeholder Portal will be shared with the Independent Expert Panel charged with generating the recommendations for FDA.

On September 29–30, the Reagan-Udall Foundation will facilitate a public meeting of the Independent Expert Panel on food. Invited stakeholders will provide feedback on critical topics such as nutrition initiatives, food safety, intra-federal relations, federal-state relationships, resources, and positioning FDA for the future. A limited number of seats are available to stakeholders who wish to observe the in-person meeting to be held in Washington, D.C. To expand access, audio streaming will also be available.

Launched in the week of September 5, the operational evaluation focuses on the structure/leadership, authority, resources, and culture of FDA’s human foods program. The 60-business-day review will culminate in recommendations that will be submitted on December 6, 2022, to Dr. Robert Califf, Commissioner of Food and Drugs at FDA.