The Food and Drug Branch administers the statewide Food and Drug program, a regulatory program that is mandated by law and with a large and diverse area of responsibility.

It safeguards public health by ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and related consumer products are safe, effective and properly labeled.

It also ensures that household substances and prescription drugs are packaged in child-resistant containers when required.

The program allows for the inspection of establishments where these products are manufactured, distributed, or sold. It also investigates complaints, and collects samples to determine compliance with product standards.

The drugs that are regulated by the branch include over-the counter, prescription, and generic drugs. Medical devices include a wide array of medical products. These range from simple devices such as hearing aids and condoms, to sophisticated devices such as heart replacement valves, and to controversial devices such as breast implants.