HHS seeks additional $275 million for FDA

These funds will expedite implementation of the strategy outlined in the Action Plan for Import Safety and the complementary Food Protection Plan, both released in November 2007. The increase brings the Administration’s total proposed increase in the FDA’s budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to $404.7 million – a 17.8% boost in funding from FY 2008.

The budget amendment proposes the following increases for core FDA programs: Protecting America’s Food Supply (+$125 million), Safer Drugs, Devices, and Biologics (+$100 million) and Modernizing FDA Science and Workforce (+$50 million).

Mr Leavitt, secretary, US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) said: “Combined with crucial legislative proposals, this increase will allow FDA to continue to transform its regulatory strategies to meet the challenges of the evolving global marketplace. I urge Congress to act quickly to give FDA the authority and funding it needs to enhance the safety of our food and medical products.”