What is the FDA?
The Food and Drug Administration is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and also in the fact the oldest comprehensive consumer protection agency. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through regulation and supervision of food safety, dietary supplements, tobacco products, over-the-counter and prescription animal and human medications, vaccines, medical devices, etc. In addition, the FDA is responsible for advancing the public health by helping to quicken innovations that make medicines more effective, safer, and cheaper.
The FDA headquarters are located in White Oak, Maryland, but the agency has 223 other offices located throughout the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Over the last few years, the FDA has been posting employees in other countries such as the United Kingdom, India, China, and more.
When was the FDA Created?
There were some attempts at a food and health product regulatory system in the past, but all were relatively short-lived and unsuccessful. The official Food and Drug Administration that we know today was created on June 30, 1906, but it started as the Pure Food and Drugs Act. The FDA became was it is today by the addition and circulation of about 100 bills since it started.
Why is the FDA Important?
Today, the FDA is a regulatory, scientific and public health agency that oversees all manufacture, import, transport, storage, and sale of over $1 trillion worth of products every year. With all FDA-approved products, you are completely ensured the following:
- They have been tested for efficiency and safety
- Food is safe, wholesome, sanitary, and properly labeled
- Manufacturing practices and quality control standards have been met
- Medication dosage levels have been established by valid pharmaceutical research
- The manufacturer has worked with doctors and veterinarians to ensure proper usage and efficiency
- The manufacturer will work with your doctor or veterinarian to stand behind the performance and safety of the product
