The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a critical report highlighting significant shortcomings in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) efforts to inspect domestic and foreign food facilities. The analysis, spanning from fiscal year 2018 to 2023, reveals that the FDA has consistently failed to meet its inspection targets set by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

A key finding of the report is the FDA's inability to adhere to its mandated inspection schedules for both high-risk and non-high-risk domestic facilities. According to the GAO, over the past few years, the percentage of high-risk facilities not inspected on time surged dramatically. Similarly, the proportion of non-high-risk facilities that went uninspected also saw a sharp rise, reaching nearly three-quarters by 2021. This trend underscores a growing gap between regulatory requirements and actual enforcement.

The challenges extend beyond domestic borders. The FDA's performance in inspecting foreign food facilities has been equally concerning. The agency was supposed to conduct nearly 20,000 inspections annually overseas, but in reality, it managed only a fraction of this number—averaging just over 900 inspections per year. This discrepancy raises questions about the adequacy of current staffing levels and resource allocation for foreign inspections.

Addressing these issues requires more than just increasing staff numbers. The GAO recommends that Congress direct the FDA to undertake a comprehensive analysis to establish realistic annual inspection targets for foreign facilities. Furthermore, the FDA must develop a robust performance management system to evaluate its inspection efforts effectively. Ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply is paramount, and proactive measures are essential to restore public confidence in the regulatory framework. Strengthening oversight and improving accountability will ultimately lead to a safer and healthier food environment for all Americans.