‘Break up the FDA’: Food and Drug Administration commissioner Robert Califf, who is expected to act by the end of the month, “should be bold” and “break up the FDA into a drug division and an entirely separate food administration with its own commissioner,” said the Washington Post editorial board. (Washington Post)
Growers oppose merger: The Western Growers Association and two other grower groups said they oppose the merger of the Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains because it would decrease competition in the produce sector and reduce farm income. (Western Growers)
Grassley fractures hip: Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the second-oldest U.S. senator and a member of the Agriculture Committee, said Wednesday on social media, “My hip surgery today to repair a fracture was very successful. On my way to a full recovery.” (Sen. Grassley)
Black farmer equity program: Eleven farmers will make up the first cohort of growers in the Black Farmers Equity Initiative and take part in an eight-week program to improve agricultural supply chain access for Black farmers. (National Minority Supplier Development Council)
WHO endorses sugar taxes: The World Health Organization called on countries to “introduce or increase” taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages as a way to reduce consumption of the drinks and reduce the risk of dental problems and chronic disease. (WHO)