Frank Yiannas, who has been the deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the Food and Drug Administration since 2018, resigned and will leave his position next month.
Prior to joining FDA, Yiannas was vice president of food safety for more than a decade at Walmart BB #:143789. He has interacted with the fresh produce industry throughout his tenure, most notably with the implementation of FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act.
Yiannas expressed concerns to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf last year about FDA’s oversight structure and its role in the infant formula crisis. He said he postponed his departure until the formula was better sorted out.
He sent the following letter to Califf January 25.
Respected Colleagues & Friends:
Today, I informed Commissioner Califf that I will be resigning my position as Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Food Policy and Response effective February 24.
Despite the unprecedented challenges we’ve all faced (a global pandemic, unparalleled food supply chain disruptions, and more), working together, we weathered the storm and accomplished a lot. I’ve attempted to summarize some of those achievements in my resignation letter, which you can read here (https://docdro.id/PHYSXRR).
I will be forever grateful for the amazing work you do, the entire food and agricultural sector, during these challenging times to ensure consumers continue to have access to safe, affordable, and available food.
And last but not least, please remember this. Whether you’re in the private or public sector, we’re all working for the same boss – the American consumer (as well as consumers worldwide). So, let’s work together and avoid letting them down. They’re counting on us.
Best Wishes & Be Safe
Frank
The International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 released this statement following the resignation:
IFPA Praises Yiannas’ Contributions to Food Safety, Urges FDA to Appoint a Deputy Commissioner of Foods
Washington, DC – In response to the recent announcement that U.S. Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy Frank Yiannas will be departing the agency on February 24, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) wishes to thank him for contributions to the field of food safety and his collaborative leadership approach with stakeholders across the global fresh produce supply chain.
“I remember first meeting Frank as part of the Produce Traceability Initiative years ago where he openly shared his viewpoints on how the fresh produce industry could strengthen its food safety practices through track-and-trace systems,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.
“Later, he spent time with the then-PMA Board discussing the potential of blockchain and transparency in the supply chain. Whether it was serving on a committee or speaking on an educational program, his dedication to raising the food safety bar and making our industry even better is without question.”
IFPA Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer Dr. Jennifer McEntire added “when Frank moved from industry to the FDA, we knew the agency was deepening its bench strength in terms of gaining practical and applicable insights into how the fresh fruit and vegetable industry works.”
“We are disappointed to see him go, but based on what Commissioner Califf shared with IFPA in recent meetings and what he’s said publicly – we are optimistic that FDA will be working to introduce its new leadership structure soon,” said Dr. McEntire. “We encourage the Commissioner to consider the Reagan-Udall Foundation report recommendations, and we support the appointment of an empowered Deputy Commissioner for the foods program.”
