What is the primary purpose of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)?

The primary purpose of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is to ensure the safety, efficacy, and security of food, drugs, and cosmetics. This comprehensive federal law empowers the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to oversee the safety of these products, establishing a framework for regulated substances to be safely used by consumers.

The FDCA addresses a wide array of products, ensuring that they meet strict standards for safety and that any claims made about their efficacy are scientifically substantiated. This is critical for protecting public health and safety as it mandates rigorous evaluation processes for new drugs and ensures that food products do not pose hazards to consumers.

While the regulation of dietary supplements, guidelines for clinical trials, and oversight of herbal product packaging and labeling are important aspects of public health, they fall under the broader umbrella of consumer protection outlined by the FDCA. Therefore, the primary aim of the act is fundamentally concerned with safeguarding the public from unsafe or ineffective products in these categories.