FDA commissioner quits

Lester Crawford, FDA's top man, has resigned explaining that it was time to step down — despite only being promoted to commissioner earlier this year. Crawford's tenure at FDA finished with increasing criticism following problems with products and argued decisions. He now faces an enquiry into his resignation by the US Senate Health Committee.

Some of the problems during the erstwhile commissioner's term have caused embarrassment for FDA, such as the safety problems that caused Vioxx to be pulled off the market; mounting recalls of malfunctioning heart devices; and the indefinite postponement of nonprescription emergency contraception sales.

Crawford's experience in food safety was the reason he was elevated by President George Bush from acting commissioner as a preventative measure against bioterrorism. His place has been taken by former National Cancer Institute director and friend of President Bush, Andrew von Eschenbach.

www.fda.gov