The FDA enforces standards for the food we buy and eat.
The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is an agency that governs the manufacture, import and sale of consumable products in the United States. This includes food, pharmaceutical drugs, medical tools, cosmetics and tobacco products. The FDA ensures that the food that we buy and consume is safe to eat, that cosmetics we use on our bodies are not harmful and that medicines that we take are not dangerous. The FDA also regulates the use of feed and pharmaceuticals for pets and animals.
Product Approval
The FDA is responsible for approving new products before they can be sold for public consumption, including the content, labeling and packaging of products. Evidence of extensive testing of food products is required before the FDA will approve it fit for sale and consumption. The FDA aims to assure the safety of the public through monitoring these products and making recalls where necessary to protect public health.
Medical Standards
The FDA is also committed to making medicines and veterinary drugs safe, effective and affordable to the public. Its main duty is reviewing and approving medicines before they are available to the general public as quickly and efficiently as possible. The FDA rigorously tests products and publishes the test results so that the public can be completely informed before making any medical decisions, while also restricting the use of any products that may cause harm.
Radiation-Emitting Products
Radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, X-ray machines and tanning beds also fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA. Such products require stringent testing before being approved for sale or use. The FDA also employs a strategy to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, such as from microwaves, cell phones or radiation experienced by healthcare employees.
Enforce Legislation
The FDA enforces the Food and Drugs Act of 1906, which has had many additions and alterations since its original inception. This legislation is designed to protect the public and provide an avenue for litigation in the event of harm caused as a result of a breach. It is updated periodically by the FDA as technologies and products evolve. In cases where a product is found to be faulty or harmful, the FDA can create new legislation banning or regulating the use of the product in the United States.
Exclusions
The FDA has no jurisdiction over meat and poultry products, alcoholic products, product advertising, water standards, pesticide use, illegal drugs and food provided in a restaurant environment. These are the responsibility of other environmental and health agencies (see the Resource below for further information).
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