RFK, listen to Dr. D

Our Food Safety Guardians Deserved Capes, Not Pink Slips

This is not just another editorial. This is a thank you letter, an acknowledgment, and a rallying cry.
For decades, people have stood quietly between us and harm – heroes who safeguarded every bite we take, every meal we share. They kept food safe and public health strong, so families could gather — around kitchen tables, in school cafeterias, and at holiday feasts — with confidence and trust.

And yet today, many of them woke up without the badge they proudly carried. Without the title, the office, or the tools they relied upon. They didn’t lose these things because they failed. They lost them because someone, somewhere, decided that the work of protecting people could be put on hold. But here’s what wasn’t taken: their purpose, their passion, and the undeniable truth that their work made – and continues to make – a difference.

To those recently laid off from the CDC, FDA, HHS, USDA, and other public health agencies: We see you. We see the sacrifices you made, the late nights you spent tracing outbreaks, the painstaking investigations, the regulations you fought to strengthen. Your work was never measured by the nameplate on your desk The real value of your work was measured by the millions of families who felt safe without ever realizing all the risks you kept at bay.

And you were never alone.

You are part of a bigger story. One written by parents who read every food recall as a vital message for their children. By students sitting in classrooms who dream of following in your footsteps. By professors who tell your stories as lessons in integrity and leadership. By industry leaders who learned from you, carrying your influence into production lines and boardrooms. And by every consumer who unknowingly places their trust in the invisible work you’ve done — every single day.
But let’s be honest. We deserve better. You deserve better. We all do. The public deserves agencies fully staffed with experts who are equipped, supported, and empowered to do the work. The safeguarding of public health is not a line item. It’s not optional. It is the quiet infrastructure of every community, every kitchen, every plate.

And yet — I remain hopeful.

This is not the end. This is not a farewell. The talent, wisdom, and fire that you carry didn’t disappear with your badge. It is still here. It is still needed. Whether you will be working in classrooms, research labs, advocacy organizations, local health departments, farms, factories, or simply educating your neighbors — the calling that first drew you to this field still calls.
The road ahead will not be easy. The consequences of these layoffs are already unfolding — fewer inspections, delayed outbreak responses, families left vulnerable. And yet, you continue to show up. Not because it’s easy, but because you understand the stakes.

So we will move forward. Not out of convenience, but out of courage. And when the story of this moment is told — when future generations look back — may it be said:

This is when they stood tall. This is when they kept faith with the people they served. This is when they showed the world what leadership really looks like.

Thank you.

Dr. Darin Detwiler

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.