The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a major improvement in its system for processing complaints today. It is aimed at enhancing public health protection. The FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP) has introduced a new streamlined process for handling complaints related to FDA-regulated products. This includes whistleblower reports. This upgrade improves the detection and response time to health issues, ensuring faster protection against hazards.
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The HFP oversees all activities related to food safety and nutrition. They protect and promote the health and wellness of all people through science-based approaches. The goal of the HFP is to prevent foodborne illness, reduce diet related chronic disease. It is also to ensure chemicals in food are safe.
New safety protocols for processing complaints
Individuals can submit complaints involving food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics through online reporting forms. Access these forms via the Safety Reporting Portal (for food and dietary supplements) and the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form (for cosmetics). As part of the transition, the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) has restructured into the Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII).
A complaint may be about an adverse event such as illness, injury, allergic reaction, or other health-related issue or about defects in the quality or safety of an FDA-regulated food, dietary supplement, or cosmetic product.
The change eliminates the former Consumer Complaint Coordinator (CCC) system. CCC phone lines are now officially discontinued. Consumers can now report issues directly by calling 1-888-SAFEFOOD or using the online tools. The FDA believes this update will lead to quicker identification of health risks and more efficient complaint resolution.
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The FDA first announced these changes were beginning October 2023. They were part of a broader reorganization, marking the largest restructuring in its history. This effort strengthens the FDA’s ability to safeguard public health. The goal is to provide more effective food safety and regulatory processes.
For further information, visit the Industry and Consumer Assistance page from HFP.
