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https://fda.gov
Food and Drug Administration
Related Questions
What is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
Answer: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing public health by helping to speed innovations that make medical products and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medical products and foods to improve their health.
What are the main functions of the FDA?
Answer: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has three main functions: regulation, enforcement, and education. Regulation involves developing and enforcing laws, regulations, and standards related to the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Enforcement includes conducting inspections, recall initiatives, and other activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Education involves providing the public with information about the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical products, and food products.
What is the FDA's role in drug enforcement?
Answer: The FDA is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The agency is responsible for conducting inspections, recall initiatives, and other activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards. The FDA also works with state and local governments to ensure that drugs, medical products, and food products meet safety standards.
What is the role of the FDA in drug approval?
Answer: The FDA plays a critical role in the approval of new drugs. The agency is responsible for assessing the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and ensuring that they meet the required standards for approval. The FDA reviews drug applications submitted by pharmaceutical companies and holds public meetings to provide a forum for discussion of scientific issues related to the approval of new drugs. The agency also reviews clinical trial results and other scientific data to assess the safety and efficacy of new drugs. Once the FDA is satisfied that a drug meets the safety, efficacy, and quality standards, it approves the drug for sale in the United States.
How can I report an issue with a drug or medical product to the FDA?
Answer: The FDA encourages consumers to report any problems they have with drugs, medical products, or food products to the agency. Consumers can report issues to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting the FDA website. Consumers can also report issues to their health care provider or to the manufacturer of the product. The FDA will review the reports and take appropriate action if necessary.
What is the FDA's role in cosmetics safety?
Answer: The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. The agency sets standards and regulations related to the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of cosmetics and personal care products. The FDA also requires companies to provide safety data on ingredients used in their products and to report any adverse reactions to their products. The agency also conducts inspections of cosmetics and personal care product manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
What is the FDA's role in food safety?
Answer: The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply. The agency is responsible for setting standards and regulations related to the production, processing, packaging, labeling, and distribution of food products. The FDA also conducts inspections of food-processing facilities and enforces food safety regulations. In addition, the agency monitors food-borne illness outbreaks and investigates the causes of food-borne illnesses. The FDA also works with state and local governments to ensure that food products meet safety standards.
What is the FDA's role in medical device safety?
Answer: The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. The agency sets standards and regulations related to the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of medical devices. The FDA also requires companies to provide safety data on the devices and submit pre-market approval applications for certain medical devices. The agency also conducts inspections of medical device manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
How can I find information about the safety and efficacy of a drug or medical product?
Answer: Consumers can find information about the safety and efficacy of a drug or medical product on the FDA website. The FDA publishes safety information, including drug labels, patient information, and product warnings, on its website. The FDA also provides information about clinical trials, drug approval processes, and other topics related to the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical products. Consumers can also talk to their health care providers for more information.
What is the mission of the FDA?
Answer: The mission of the FDA is to protect and promote public health by helping to ensure the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The agency also strives to advance public health by helping to speed innovations that make medical products and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medical products and foods to improve their health.