September 25, 2023 marks the first day of work for James (Jim) Jones, M.S., the first ever Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The role of Deputy Commissioner was created to build and lead the agency’s new, unified Human Foods Program (HFP).
In his role, Mr. Jones will report directly to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. He will exercise decision-making authority over all HFP entities when the reorganization is in effect, including related Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) activities. He will provide executive leadership over the entire program as well as over resource allocation, risk-prioritization strategy, policy, and major response activities involving human foods. The leadership for Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Office of Food Policy and Response (OFPR) will report to Mr. Jones until the proposed HFP reorganization is implemented.