FDA More Focused on Protecting its Image Instead of Protecting the Public Health

Statement

FDA More Focused on Protecting Its Image Instead of Protecting the Public Health

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), chairwoman of the Agriculture - Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement about a report in the Washington Post that the FDA, in a no-bid competition, hired a public relations company in an effort to restore its image. With problems fulfilling its responsibility to protect the public health, officials at the agency hatched the plan for a PR campaign rather than focusing on using its resources to improve its ability to protect the public.

"This move by the Food and Drug Administration to use funds for a public relations campaign is outrageous on several levels. The lack of transparency in this process was very troublesome, but the most alarming aspect of this development is the FDA using scarce resources on a PR campaign instead on addressing the structural weaknesses at the agency. The myriad problems at the FDA will not be fixed by slogans or commercials.

"Using funds to hire a PR firm with connections to the agency also explains why the FDA has been reluctant to submit detailed work plans to Congress that outlines how their funding is being spent. This confirms my view that the FDA lacks accountability and needs constant oversight to ensure that funds are being applied toward improving agency performance.

"This development is particularly disappointing to many of us in Congress who have fought for additional funds for the FDA. Oversight of the FDA will be absolutely critical in the next several months in order to prevent the current Administration from blowing kisses to its closest industry allies."

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