Bill Overview
Title: Food Safety Administration Act of 2022
Description: This bill splits the current Food and Drug Administration into the Federal Drug Administration (to regulate drugs, cosmetics, devices, biological products, color additives, and tobacco) and the Food Safety Administration (to regulate food safety). The bill also establishes specific requirements with respect to manufacturers of infant formula, such as requiring manufacturers to notify the newly created Food Safety Administration of potential infant formula shortages.
Sponsors: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Target Audience
Population: People consuming food products regulated by the U.S., including those influenced by U.S. regulations globally
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The Bill reorganizes the FDA, affecting all food safety regulations across the United States, influencing food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
- The creation of the Food Safety Administration impacts all Americans, as they are consumers of food products.
- Infant formula manufacturers directly impacted are a part of the international supply chain, influencing global and US-specific markets.
- Consumers of infant formula worldwide could be affected by changes in U.S. policy, particularly if the regulatory changes influence global supply chains.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts food safety, a concern for every individual in the U.S. who consumes food products. The projected target is broad, but the specific impact per individual might vary from negligible to considerable based on their connection to the food supply chain or direct consumption needs, such as for infant formula.
- The budget for the policy over ten years must be balanced with the reach and depth of the changes that can be effectively implemented. This means that while overarching structural changes will occur, the minute changes in individual wellbeing might be subtle for the average consumer unless they are directly impacted by, for instance, infant formula regulations.
- Given the broad aim of the bill, feedback was included from various demographics including families with infants, general consumers, and food industry workers. Some individuals are not directly affected but are included to represent the unaffected population within a national context.
Simulated Interviews
Infant Formula Manufacturer Employee (Austin, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the split makes sense; a dedicated agency for food safety could result in better standards.
- The emphasis on infant formula is crucial, as shortages can have severe impacts on families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Restaurant Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m concerned about the implementation and how quickly we can adapt to new regulations.
- It might increase costs in the short term, but I hope for better safety in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Food Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, food safety gets its distinct attention.
- In the long term, this could lead to better research and safety protocols.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the formula shortages, any step to prevent these shortages is welcome.
- It's good to have someone explicitly responsible for food safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Farmer (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will mean adjusting to new regulations but could improve safety standards.
- I’m curious how this will change interactions with manufacturers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Food Distributor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Splitting the FDA could streamline processes, but I'm concerned about increased paperwork and costs.
- Still, it might bring longer-term benefits by increasing trust in our supply chains.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that ensures safer food is good, though I don't directly feel the impact.
- It's a big change that might not reach consumers like me immediately.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the point, but it doesn’t seem like it will affect me directly at least in the short-term.
- Having dedicated agencies seems reasonable in theory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 12 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My parents say this might mean safer food at school, which sounds good.
- I don't totally understand, but it seems like they're trying to help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Food Safety Inspector (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This restructuring could enhance the focus and resources for food safety.
- It might mean more jobs and clarity in our roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1250000000, High: $1750000000)
Year 2: $1300000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 3: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1450000000)
Year 5: $1100000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1350000000)
Year 10: $900000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $900000000)
Key Considerations
- The reshuffling of responsibilities and creation of two distinct administrations may introduce a period of adjustment with reduced operational efficiency.
- Improved food safety protocols could enhance U.S. food export competitiveness.
- Potential legislative amendments may be required to align existing laws with the new administrative structure.