Chair Rodgers Opening Statement on FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs

thank you chairman Guthrie today we're here to discuss and evaluate the work that the Food and Drug Administration is doing related to its human foods and tobacco programs areas that have substantial impact on the health and safety of the American people last week the CDC announced the results from his National Youth tobacco survey which gave us a few reasons to be optimistic use of vaping products among America's middle and high school students is down almost 70% since the 2019 peak of 5.3 million users also according to the CDC cigarette use among adults has dropped to 11.5% in 2021 there is more we can and must do to discourage Young Americans from starting help the 30 million or so Americans who already use cigarettes and I'll add address the alarming incre increase of marijuana usage among teenagers and young adults whether in food or vaping products according to a 2022 Reagan Udall report the center for tobacco products which was established in 2009 is quote confronting enormous challenges for example out of the over 26 million applications for electronic nicotine Delivery Systems or ends products the center has authorized fewer than 50 products however according to recent Market data those products only account for about 10% of sales showing how behind the FDA is in keeping up with demand the lack of clear enforcement policy and authorized products leaves tobacco users Distributors and convenience stores in the dark on what products they can use and sell to those that are looking for alternatives to tra traditional cigarettes companies need clear guidelines on what is required to meet the standard for authorization and what products what changes to products require new applications if the standards in current law need to be made clearer Congress should have that discussion it is evident that fda's regulation of tobacco needs significant attention and that's what we're starting today turning to the human foods program the FDA is responsible for regulating nearly 80% of the US food supply and approving new food additives this year alone there's been nearly 200 food recalls including Deli products linked to leria outbreak that has resulted in 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths in addition the agency is still taking steps STS following the investigation of lead and chrom chromy found in cinnamon applesauce pouches at the CDC estimates poison more than 400 children these incidences have raised concerns over the safety of our food supply we must also not forget about the infant formula crisis that occurred in 2022 an independent report found factors within the fda's control the lack of Clear Vision and Mission the lack of collaboration between between offices and a culture of indecisiveness and inaction are what contributed to the infant formula crisis I'm glad the FDA has acknowledged it needs to improve and has recently announced plans to implement a new unified human foods program starting this October as a part of this new effort the FDA stated it will prioritize helping American consumers make more informed food choices in addition to food safety and response activities it is essential that the FDA is trans trans arent regarding what data and information it is relying upon as it considers various nutrition and food labeling proposals I look forward to hearing more about the agency's vision for the human foods program and how it plans to manage these nutrition initiatives while not losing sight of the core mission of keeping our food supply safe and secure Congress has provided the FDA with substantial resources to effectively run these programs yet the FDA is requesting Millions more in budget Authority and user fees for its human foods program and Center for tobacco products while providing little information about how their current resources are spent existing authorities are used and regulations are being enforced I look forward to having this discussion today to better understand how existing resources and authorities can be better used to improve the safety and quality of our food supply and finally get the center for tobacco products working after falling short unfortunately over the last last decade thank you and I yield back thank