The FDA’s top food safety official, Frank Yiannas, resigned Wednesday, citing concerns about the agency’s oversight structure and the infant formula crisis that led to a nationwide shortage. Jewel Bronaugh, the USDA’s second-highest ranking executive, also stepped down this week, citing she wished to spend more time with family.
Yiannas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food policy and response, joined the agency in 2018 after having previously worked for several decades in food safety for Walmart and the Walt Disney World Co. His last day with the agency is set for Feb. 24.
Bronaugh was nominated two years ago to serve as USDA Deputy Secretary. She previously was commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She will depart the agency sometime in the coming weeks, her statement said.
