Resignation of Food and Drug Administration Leader Is a Setback for Safety of U.S. Food System

EDF statement from Sarah Vogel, Senior Vice President, Healthy Communities

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 18, 2025) The head of the Food and Drug Administration, Jim Jones, announced his resignation today, citing far-reaching staff cuts at the agency. 

“In addition to his wide-ranging expertise on toxic chemicals, nutrition and public health, Jim Jones brought integrity to his role overseeing the safety of the food we eat. We’re grateful for his leadership, especially as he guided the agency’s recent move to ban cancer-causing Red Dye No. 3 in food. 

“The Trump administration’s decision to fire career experts across FDA’s food division will make it much harder for the agency to make sure the food we eat won’t make us sick, and it’s a sign that they don’t take the safety of our food seriously The FDA must work for the health and safety of American families–not for the people who profit from the use of harmful chemicals.” 

  • Sarah Vogel, Senior Vice President, Healthy Communities 

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org

Related Expert