What is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This law provides the FDA with the authority to oversee the safety and efficacy of food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The FDA conducts investigations, sets standards, and enforces regulations to ensure that products are safe for public consumption and that they meet specific quality criteria before they can be marketed.

The work of the FDA encompasses evaluating new drugs and biological products through rigorous testing and approval processes, monitoring the manufacturing practices of these products to ensure compliance with established safety standards, and conducting post-market surveillance to track adverse effects and ensure ongoing safety. This vital role underscores the FDA’s central importance in protecting public health through its regulatory oversight of the pharmaceutical industry and the enforcement of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.