Former FDA official calls handling of Juul ban ‘sloppy’

The Food and Drug Administration has ordered an external review of its procedures, stemming from a series of controversies involving the handling of a nationwide baby formula shortage and the banning of Juul e-cigarettes.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has asked for the review of the FDA’s food and tobacco programs, following months of criticism aimed at the agency.

Former FDA Associate Commissioner for External Affairs Peter Pitts said calling for the review is a strong move by Califf during a time when the FDA is running out of excuses for its failures.

“I don’t believe in excuses, it doesn’t advance the public health,” Pitts said on NewsNation “Rush Hour.”

Pitts singled out the FDA’s banning of Juul e-cigarette sales in the U.S. as “sloppy” after it was determined the FDA overlooked thousands of pages of evidence from Juul that countered FDA findings about its product.