The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize operations, streamline support functions and better align the agency with the nation’s agricultural landscape.
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical and support operations.
“This is about building a stronger, more resilient food safety system for the country. By establishing a National Food Safety Center in Iowa and expanding our scientific capabilities, USDA is ensuring that the Food Safety and Inspection Service is positioned where it can best support American agriculture and protect public health,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “This is on top the last year of work at the Department to put science and safety first at FSIS. President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. We are ensuring the American people can trust their food is safe and healthy with gold standard processes and inspections. These changes reflect our commitment to modernizing the Department while staying focused on delivering results for the American people.”
“We are taking a hard look at how FSIS operates and making targeted changes to improve how the agency functions day to day,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden. “Consolidating support operations in Iowa, strengthening scientific work in Georgia, and aligning staff with mission needs will reduce duplication and improve accountability. This approach ensures that resources are used efficiently while maintaining the high standards the public expects from our food safety system.”
“FSIS is a field-based public health agency, with the vast majority of our workforce serving on the frontlines in establishments across the country,” said Administrator Justin Ransom. “This reorganization strengthens how we support those employees by bringing key training, policy, and technical expertise into closer alignment with their work. The National Food Safety Center will help us better prepare and support our workforce while also creating new opportunities to attract and develop the next generation of food safety professionals.”
Source : usda.gov