Trump administration cuts jobs at FDA affecting food safety and medical device oversight

The Trump administration has cut jobs at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), focusing on employees in food safety, medical devices, and tobacco products. Probationary employees received layoff notices over the weekend, but the total number of positions eliminated is unclear. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to fire 5,200 probationary employees across its agencies, including the FDA and CDC. As of Sunday, about 700 employees had received layoff notices, with no impact on young doctors in the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service. The FDA, which employs nearly 20,000 people, has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. Recent cuts may affect the agency's ability to oversee food and drug safety, as many inspectors are recent hires.