U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (pronounced as U-S-Food-and-Drug-Administration), often abbreviated as FDA, is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs (medications), vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), cosmetics, animal foods & feed and veterinary products.

Etymology

The term "Food and Drug Administration" refers to the agency's role in regulating food and drug products in the United States. The "U.S." in the name indicates that it is a federal agency of the United States.

Related Terms

United States Department of Health and Human Services: The parent department of the FDA.
Pharmaceutical drug: A chemical substance used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or to promote well-being. Traditionally drugs were obtained through extraction from medicinal plants, but more recently also by organic synthesis.
Dietary supplement: A manufactured product intended to supplement the diet when taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid.
Medical device: Any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Medical devices benefit patients by helping health care providers diagnose and treat patients and helping patients overcome sickness or disease, improving their quality of life.
Cosmetics: Substances or products used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or fragrance and texture of the body.