Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
History
The FDA traces its origins back to the creation of the Division of Chemistry (later Bureau of Chemistry) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862. It was officially established as the Food and Drug Administration in 1930, but its regulatory functions began with the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act.
Responsibilities
- Drug Approval: The FDA reviews and approves new drugs and medical devices, ensuring they are safe and effective for their intended uses.
- Food Safety: The agency oversees the safety of food products, including implementing recalls if necessary.
- Cosmetics and Dietary Supplements: While the FDA does not pre-approve these, it can take action if products are found to be unsafe or mislabeled.
- Tobacco Regulation: Since 2009, the FDA has had the authority to regulate tobacco products.
See Also
- Food and Drug Administration article on Wikipedia