FDA Mission

FDA's public health protection role and mission were incorporated into the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (PL 105-115). The Act outlined bold and innovative approaches to meet the increasingly complex public health challenges of the 21^st century. FDA is committed to the successful implementation of this plan and believes success is within reach with the resources and support of its stakeholders. The FDA's statutory mission is:

• To promote the public health by promptly and efficiently reviewing clinical research and taking appropriate action on the marketing of regulated products in a timely manner. 
• With respect to such products, to protect the public health by ensuring that:
  • foods are safe, wholesome, sanitary, and properly labeled;
  • human and veterinary drugs are safe and effective; 
  • there is reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of devices intended for human use; 
  • cosmetics are safe and properly labeled, and; public health and safety are protected from electronic product radiation. 
• To participate through appropriate processes with representatives of other countries to reduce the burden of regulation, harmonize regulatory requirements, and achieve appropriate reciprocal arrangements; and, 
• As determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, to carry out these activities in consultation with experts in science, medicine, and public health and in cooperation with consumers, users, manufacturers, importers, packers, distributors, and retailers of regulated products.

Edited 3/1/2000