The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is attempting to rehire employees who were recently laid off, particularly those involved in travel bookings for safety inspectors, amidst confusion and delays in agency operations. Approximately 20 out of 60 travel staff are expected to return, and there are plans to reinstate food scientists and Freedom of Information Act processing staff, although official confirmations are pending. The layoffs, which reduced the FDA workforce by 20%, have led to missed court deadlines and operational challenges, prompting reconsideration. The Department of Health and Human Services attributes the layoffs to an outdated HR infrastructure, with plans to overhaul it. Despite assurances that no FDA scientists were fired, some food scientists were indeed let go, leading to calls for quick resolution to the staffing issues by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, whose reputation may be affected by these decisions.

The FDA is rehiring some staffers who were recently laid off, including those who coordinate travel for inspectors, as part of efforts to stabilize operations after significant job cuts.

More than 20 of the agency's 60 travel staff are expected to return, and there are plans to bring back food scientists and staff who handle Freedom of Information Act requests, although formal notifications have not been issued.

The layoffs reduced the FDA's workforce by approximately 20%, or about 3,500 jobs, causing operational difficulties such as missed court deadlines, prompting the need to reinstate some employees.

The Department of Health and Human Services blames the situation on a fractured HR infrastructure inherited from the previous administration and is working to streamline operations.

Despite assurances from FDA Commissioner Marty Makary that no scientists were dismissed, at least two dozen food scientists were laid off, raising concerns about the impact of these reductions on his legacy.

FDA inspectors, who rely on travel coordinators for logistical support, were temporarily tasked with arranging their own travel, highlighting the critical role of administrative teams in supporting frontline staff.

The reinstatement efforts reflect broader challenges at the FDA to balance workforce reductions with maintaining its core responsibilities, including the review of drugs and food products and the inspection of factories.