100 days later, nation waits for FDA overhaul

A stronger FDA
Look for Obama to increase oversight of imports and closer inspection of domestic food production as well, though it’s unlikely a new food safety agency would have the manpower necessary to inspect every import and every U.S. plant involved in food or drug manufacturing.

The FDA’s own Science Board notes “there are 375,000 establishments making FDA-regulated products.”

“In just a decade, there has been a ten-fold increase in imports, coming from more than 100 other countries. Over 50 percent of drugs are imported, along with 15 percent of our food supply,” according to the report.

Former FDA Associate Commissioner William Hubbard told NBC News "I think the agency is at a tipping point. If change doesn't come in terms of new management and resources, they could be a failed institution."

While former President George W. Bush preferred a market-based approach to food and drug safety, Democrats in Congress are already moving toward giving the FDA more power.

The House passed a bill on April 2 that would give the FDA the power to change the ingredients in cigarettes and mandate new warning labels. However, the bill stops short of giving the FDA the authority to ban tobacco products or nicotine. A similar bill is under consideration in the Senate.

Tobacco is considered a leading cause of preventable deaths in America, killing more than 400,000 people each year. Yet until now, tobacco products have been among the least-regulated products in the nation. Even Obama has been trying to wean himself off the habit.

Assuming she is confirmed by the Senate, Hamburg will have her hands full when she takes over as FDA Commissioner.

Her track record suggests she’s up for the challenge. Her resume includes stints as the senior scientist for the Nuclear Threat Initiative where she also served as vice president of biological programs; assistant secretary for planning and evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services; New York City health commissioner.

She's also held positions with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at HHS.

The White House's priorities, and her own, will likely be revealed during her confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill.

More from msnbc.com White House is sued over Obama visitor logs Cosmic Log: Light show sparks UFO buzz Field Notes: How Tiger Woods betrayed me, too Your body's big enemy? You are sitting on it Bin Laden remains elusive, frustrating U.S. Send us images of your salutes to troops, friends, kin Giving back for the holiday season? Tell us how

MORE FROM FIRST 100 DAYS

First 100 Days Section Front

Obama touts ‘New Foundation’ for growth Fact check: Obama disowns deficit Transcript: ‘We have a lot of work left to do’ Obama to be spectacular success — or failure? Scoop: Celeb magazines loved Obama’s first 100 days First 100 days: Obama's approach to two wars Obama has miles to go, promises to keep Newsweek: Obama struggles with life in spotlight NYT: Survey — Obama nudges views on race First 100 days of the Obama economy First 100 Days Section Front   Add First 100 Days headlines to your news reader: