What is the primary function of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

The primary function of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to ensure food and drug safety. This means that the FDA is responsible for protecting public health by overseeing the regulation of food products, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The agency evaluates new drugs and treatments before they can be approved for public use, ensuring they are safe and effective. Additionally, the FDA monitors food products to prevent contamination and ensures they meet safety standards. This critical role is vital in maintaining trust in the nation’s food supply and healthcare system, as it helps to minimize risks to consumers.

In contrast, while workplace safety and environmental compliance are important areas of public health and safety, these responsibilities typically fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), respectively. Oversight of chemical labeling is also an essential function related to environmental safety but is not the primary focus of the FDA.