FDA's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request: Balancing Challenges and Opportunities

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA advocates for increased funding for the FDA in its FY 25 budget request, particularly for underfunded food safety programs. While the President's request is lower than the FY 24 request, the Alliance recommends a $3.896 billion budget authority (non-user fee) appropriation for salaries and expenses, prioritizing food chemical safety, rule implementation and prevention activities, cooperation with state and local governments, establishing a Nutrition Center of Excellence, and enhancing risk-based targeting and oversight activities.

FDA's FY 25 Budget Request: Challenges and Opportunities for Food Safety

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 (FY 25), released as part of the President's broader budgetary framework, has raised concerns among stakeholders in the food safety arena. The request, which is aligned with the overall discretionary spending targets established in last year's budget agreement, falls short of the funding levels requested for FY 24, potentially signaling a lean year for the agency.

Underfunded Food Safety Programs Face Further Strain

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA, a multi-stakeholder organization representing a broad spectrum of food safety interests, has expressed particular dismay at the proposed budget, emphasizing that it comes at a time when new investments are critically needed to address persistent challenges. With existing food safety programs already facing significant funding gaps, the Alliance warns that this budget will exacerbate the situation, further hampering efforts to ensure the safety of our food supply.

Alliance's Budgetary "Ask": Addressing Urgent Food Safety Needs

To address these concerns, the Alliance has developed a comprehensive funding "ask" for FY 25, outlining specific budgetary needs to ensure that the FDA can fulfill its vital mission of protecting the public's health. The Alliance's request calls for $3.896 billion in budget authority (BA; non-user fee) for salaries and expenses (S&E), a significant increase over the President's FY 25 budget request and the FY 24 funding level.

Key Priorities for Food Safety Investments

The Alliance has identified several key program areas within the FDA that require prioritized attention in FY 25. These include:

1. Food Chemical Safety: A robust food chemical safety and post-market review program is a pressing need supported by both consumer and industry groups. Additional funding is needed to ensure rigorous and timely review of chemical and toxicological issues, including reassessment of high-priority chemicals.
2. Rule Implementation and Prevention Activities: The FDA is currently working to implement the Food Traceability Rule and anticipates upcoming changes to agricultural water standards. This, coupled with advancements in scientific understanding of food contamination root causes, underscores the need for continued and expanded efforts to implement standards and practices that enhance food safety.
3. Cooperation with State and Local Governments: The FDA's collaborations with state and local regulatory programs have proven invaluable in enhancing food safety oversight. The Alliance recommends sustaining and strengthening these partnerships, recognizing their cost-effectiveness and broader reach.
4. Nutrition Center of Excellence: The planned reorganization of the Human Foods Program includes the establishment of a Nutrition Center of Excellence. Additional funding is needed to fully realize the vision for this center, particularly in areas such as children's health, chronic disease, and consumer-facing food labeling.
5. Risk-Based Food Targeting and Animal Health Oversight: As the agency restructures its Human Foods Program, additional resources are needed to establish a data-driven foundation for risk-based oversight and surveillance activities. Investments in FY 25 can accelerate work planning and data sharing with state regulatory partners, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of food safety efforts.

Alliance's Call to Action

The Alliance urges Congress to consider their funding request and invest in the FDA's vital food safety mission. By prioritizing these key areas, the FDA can address pressing challenges, enhance collaboration, and strengthen the nation's food safety system, ultimately protecting public health and well-being.