Critics worry that the user fee program creates a conflict of interest between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s remaking of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered a new phase on Thursday, when officials announced that the department’s workforce would shrink by another 10,000 staff to comply with President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s orders to drastically shrink the federal government.

Food recalls rose by 41% last year, and illnesses from contaminated food doubled — yet key federal food safety recommendations remain unfulfilled. The FDA is grappling with leadership turmoil and staffing shortages.

The scientist said he had been willing to work with the health secretary to address any concerns about vaccine safety and transparency - but it had "become clear truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary".

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the agency’s 28 divisions will be cut to 15.