The FDA, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is responsible for protecting public health by regulating a wide range of products. The following is a list of traditionally-recognized product categories that fall under FDA’s regulatory jurisdiction, although this is not an exhaustive list:
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Foods, including dietary supplements, bottled water, food additives, infant formulas, and other food products (although the U.S. Department of Agriculture plays a lead role in regulating aspects of some meat, poultry, and egg products) .
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Drugs, including prescription drugs (brand-name and generic) and over-the-counter drugs.
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Biologic products, including vaccines for humans, blood and blood products, tissue and tissue products, cellular and gene therapy products, and dental devices.
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Medical devices intended for human use, such as bandages, contact lenses, first aid kits, pacemakers, and surgical instruments.
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Radiation-emitting electronic products, such as x-ray machines, microwave ovens, CD-ROMs, LEDs, and laser pointers.
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Cosmetics and dietary supplements.
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FDA-regulated tobacco products, such as cigarettes.
The FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors.
