As the United States approaches the looming specter of a government shutdown set for Sunday, October 1, concerns about the continuity of federal food safety programs are on the rise. This anticipated government shutdown, the 22nd since 1980 and reminiscent of the 36-day pause in normal government operations during 2018, has raised questions about the implications for food safety protocols.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has outlined contingency plans for this scenario. According to these plans, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will persist in the “regulatory inspection of meat, poultry, and egg products that is mandated by law.” This entails maintaining a workforce of nearly 7,700 out of the agency’s total 8,600 employees, all of whom are deemed “personnel essential to the functioning of food safety operations in the nation’s food supply.” It is crucial to note that federal meat inspection is a legal requirement for the operation of regulated establishments, ensuring the continuity of this process.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also devised shutdown contingency plans for its departments and agencies, with specific attention to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As per these plans, 81 percent of FDA staff, totaling 15,602 employees, will be retained. This includes 64 percent who are exempt, meaning their activities or positions are already funded or otherwise exempted, along with 17 percent who are exempted based on the necessity of their activities for the safety of human life or the protection of property.
However, concerns persist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, where an estimated half of the employees may face furloughs. It remains uncertain how these staffing changes might impact the critical functions of laboratories responsible for identifying pathogens linked to foodborne illness outbreaks.
As the impending government shutdown looms, the precise ramifications for food safety, particularly in terms of disease outbreak surveillance and response, remain subjects of concern and scrutiny. The potential consequences underscore the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure the continued safeguarding of the nation’s food supply and public health.
