Decision Maker

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, tasked with protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA also has the responsibility of regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products. This agency, established in 1906, is also indispensable in advancing public health by facilitating medical innovations and assisting the public in getting precise, science-based information about drugs and food.