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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s sweeping job cuts at the FDA have eliminated support staff crucial to food and drug safety inspections, despite claims that inspectors themselves were unaffected. Dozens of employees supporting inspectors' work, including those handling international travel arrangements and lab scientists, were laid off. The FDA is now hiring outside contractors to replace some fired workers, raising concerns about efficiency and cost. Union representatives and experts warn of potentially devastating consequences for food safety and public health due to reduced inspections and communication capabilities. The cuts disproportionately impacted roles related to "policy" and "regulation", further raising questions about the decision's impact.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.