2025 is shaping up to be a critical year for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the agency’s leadership and agenda are on the verge of significant changes. With the inauguration of Donald Trump and the potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a top health role in the nation, the FDA is poised for a major shake-up.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed several controversial ideas that could potentially impact the FDA’s regulations. These include loosening restrictions on raw milk, heightening scrutiny on the safety of vaccines, and cracking down on ultra-processed foods and additives. However, the actual implementation of these proposals remains uncertain. Kennedy must first undergo Senate confirmation to assume the role of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Similarly, FDA commissioner nominee Marty Makary also requires Senate confirmation, raising questions about how the two leaders will collaborate and what their priorities will be.
As the FDA stands at a crossroads, the future of the agency’s regulatory framework and public health policies remains uncertain. It is crucial for stakeholders and the public to closely monitor the developments within the FDA in 2025 to understand how these changes may impact the safety and efficacy of food and drug products in the United States.