what is fda

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nations food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is responsible for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors. The FDAs responsibilities extend to the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and other U.S. territories and possessions. The FDAs research efforts include the areas of biologics, medical devices, drugs, womens health, toxicology, food safety and applied nutrition, and veterinary.