Thanks to Trump and RFK Jr., the FDA is suspending milk inspections. That’s a mistake.

The Food and Drug Administration’s authority is being reduced by President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through an executive order. Reports show that FDA inspections, crucial for ensuring food safety in the nation, are being suspended. This decision comes as part of broader staff cuts at HHS under the new administration. Recent news from Reuters revealed that the FDA is pausing inspections, including a quality control program for testing fluid milk and dairy products due to limited capacity in its food safety and nutrition division. Specifically, the agency has halted its proficiency testing program for Grade ‘A’ raw milk and finished products.

The federal government has historically played a crucial role in ensuring food safety in the United States through agencies such as the FDA and the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. These agencies help guarantee that the food we purchase is safe and inform us about any outbreaks or recalls. In the past, milk had a dangerous reputation, but through the efforts of local and federal agencies, regulations were put in place to address these issues.

In the 1920s, milk was associated with diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, diphtheria, and bovine tuberculosis. Efforts were made to establish coordinated inspection systems at local, state, and federal levels to ensure milk safety. The federal government began implementing a unified system in the late 1920s, which included grading standards like grade A and regulations for raw milk.

The White House claims that states will take over regulatory responsibilities, but history shows that a fragmented system of state and local regulations was ineffective in ensuring milk safety. By 1938, milk was responsible for 25% of all foodborne disease outbreaks. However, through the establishment of a national inspection system and unified standards, the number of outbreaks decreased significantly.

Regulations on milk have been instrumental in protecting consumers from harmful bacteria and toxins. The federal government’s actions, such as testing for pesticide residues and regulating agricultural practices, have been crucial in ensuring milk safety. Collaborative efforts between agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EPA have helped maintain high standards in the dairy industry.

Federal agencies like the FDA have been empowered to regulate and ban harmful substances like DES to protect public health. The FDA’s authority to regulate ingredients and ban carcinogenic substances was granted by Congress over time. These agencies provide Americans with a way to influence what they consume and ensure the safety of food products.

The federal government’s role in regulating food safety is essential for protecting public health. The power of the federal government allows for research coordination, national testing standards, recalls, lawsuits, and public awareness campaigns to hold food producers accountable. Preserving the authority of regulatory bodies is crucial for safeguarding public health.