FDA has created within CFSAN the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP), elevating the program from its previous status as a division under the Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements (ONLDS). Elevating the program’s position will raise the profile of dietary supplements within the agency, and will enhance the effectiveness of dietary supplement regulation by allowing ODSP to better compete for government resources and capabilities to regulate this rapidly expanding industry. Bob Durkin will continue to serve as Acting ODSP Director until FDA identifies permanent leadership.
Formerly ODSP’s parent office, ONLDS will now be known as the Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling (ONFL). It will be headed by Doug Balentine, Ph.D., who joined FDA on December 14, 2015. Dr. Balentine has a Ph.D. in food science and nutrition from Rutgers University. As the head of ONFL, Dr. Balentine will oversee the development of policy and regulations for nutrition labeling and food standards, infant formula, and medical foods.
