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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Food and Drug Administration
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A quick definition of Food and Drug Administration:
Food and Drug Administration: A government agency that makes sure the food we eat and the medicine we take are safe and healthy. They also check that medical devices and other products are safe to use. The FDA was created in 1906 and enforces laws that protect us from harmful products.
A more thorough explanation:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a part of the U.S. Public Health Service in the Department of Health and Human Services. Its main job is to make sure that:
- Food is safe, pure, and healthy to eat
- Drugs, medical devices, and biological products are safe and effective for humans and animals
- Other products, like electronic devices that emit radiation, are safe
The FDA was created in 1906 by the Pure Food and Drug Act. Today, it enforces the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and other related laws and regulations.
For example, the FDA might test a new drug to make sure it's safe and effective before allowing it to be sold to the public. Or, they might inspect a food processing plant to make sure the food being produced is safe to eat.