What is the role of the US Food & Drug Administration?

The role of the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is to protect and promote public health by regulating and supervising various products, including food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and tobacco. The FDA oversees the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products to ensure their benefits outweigh potential risks. It is responsible for the approval of new drugs and medical devices, ensuring proper labeling and patient information, and monitoring the safety and effectiveness of marketed products. The FDA also sets and enforces regulations for food manufacturing, packaging, and labeling to minimize foodborne illnesses and ensure proper nutrition. Overall, the FDA's primary goal is to safeguard public health by providing guidance, conducting research, enforcing regulations, and establishing standards for the wide array of products it oversees.