FDA Food Safety Chief Yiannas Resigns After Formula Recall (1)

The top US food safety official said he’ll step down from his position next month, departing after an extended controversy over infant formula led to a massive recall and shortage of the product.

Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Food Policy and Response, cited concerns about inheriting a decentralized structure of the foods program that he said significantly impaired the agency’s ability to operate as an integrated team and protect the public. His effective date of resignation is Feb. 24, he said Wednesday in a letter to Commissioner Robert Califf.

Frank Yiannas

Photographer: Cade Martin/FDA