What is the primary role of the FDA?

The primary role of the FDA, which stands for the Food and Drug Administration, centers on regulating and supervising the safety of foods, medications, medical devices, and various other products. This broad mandate ensures that the products available to consumers meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. The FDA's responsibilities encompass evaluating new drugs and medical devices before they can be marketed, conducting inspections of manufacturing facilities, and monitoring the safety of products once they are on the market. This regulatory oversight protects public health by ensuring that the products consumed are safe and effective.

While promoting medical innovations, conducting research, and approving new drug substances are also important to the overall function of the FDA, they represent specific activities that fall under the larger umbrella of the agency's regulatory mission. The core duty that distinguishes the agency is its authority to oversee public health and safety regarding a wide range of consumables, thereby mitigating risks associated with these products.