FDA (Food & Drug Administration)

The FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, is a prominent regulatory agency in the United States tasked with a critical mission—to safeguard the safety and integrity of a substantial portion of the nation’s food supply, as well as cosmetics and dietary supplements. Its role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to ensuring the quality, safety, and effectiveness of food products, overseeing the labeling and advertising of food and dietary supplements, and conducting inspections of manufacturing facilities to enforce compliance with established regulations. The FDA’s jurisdiction extends to a diverse array of products that impact public health, making it a key player in the regulation and oversight of the food and healthcare industries.

One important distinction to understand is that the FDA does not have the authority to pre-approve dietary supplements before they enter the market. Instead, it operates under a regulatory framework that places the responsibility on supplement manufacturers to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These GMP standards are designed to ensure that dietary supplements are produced consistently, meet quality standards, and are safe for consumption. Manufacturers are expected to follow stringent guidelines in the production and labeling of their products, and they are subject to FDA inspections to verify compliance. This approach aims to strike a balance between allowing innovation and providing consumer protection by holding manufacturers accountable for the quality and safety of the dietary supplements they produce. Consumers are encouraged to make informed choices by reviewing product labels, researching manufacturers, and consulting healthcare professionals when considering the use of dietary supplements.