Jim Jones, the leader of the Food Division at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has stepped down from his position, as confirmed by a source with knowledge of the situation. This division is responsible for safeguarding the safety of the nation’s food supply, conducting inspections, and managing recalls.

Jones’ resignation follows significant staff reductions at the federal level enacted by the Trump administration last week, impacting several employees within the FDA as well. The source did not disclose the specific reasons behind Jones’ departure.

Bloomberg News was the first to report on the resignation.

It remains uncertain whether Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was sworn into office last Thursday, has found a successor for Jones. According to another source, Kennedy met with HHS staff on Tuesday as part of an introductory event.

Jones took on the role of leading the FDA’s food division in 2023 after a long tenure of 30 years at the Environmental Protection Agency.

During his tenure at the FDA, he has overseen significant initiatives, including the Biden administration’s recent ban on the artificial coloring Red No. 3, effective January, and the investigation surrounding contaminated applesauce that has been linked to multiple cases of lead poisoning in children, which occurred towards the end of 2023. He also dealt with the fallout from the infant formula crisis.

Currently, Congress has yet to confirm a new head for the FDA. President Trump has nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a pancreatic surgeon from Johns Hopkins University, to take the lead at the agency.

In response to inquiries about Jones’ resignation on Tuesday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement indicating, “There are several bureaucrats who are resistant to the democratic process and the mandate given by the American public.”

“President Trump seeks the most qualified individuals who are prepared to implement his America First Agenda for the benefit of the American people,” Leavitt added. “It’s not for everyone, and that’s perfectly acceptable.”

The FDA has not responded to requests for comments regarding this matter. This agency is responsible for regulating approximately 77% of the U.S. food supply, as stated in official documents.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees meat and certain egg products, collaborating with the FDA on major recalls, such as those associated with Boar’s Head deli meat and McDonald’s Quarter Pounders from the previous year.

Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, shared in an email that Jones’ exit will hinder efforts aimed at improving food safety.

“There is no one who can match the chemical safety knowledge that Jim brought to this position,” Faber remarked.