The Food and Drug Unit of the Office of Public Health regulates a variety of activities and processes pertaining to food, drugs, and cosmetics in the state of Louisiana. Click on a header below for an interesting fact about each program:
Food manufacturers and wholesalers
FDU regulates food manufacturers not covered by Part XXIII of Title 51, as well as food salvagers, repackers, and food storage warehouses. Presently, there are 551 permitted food and beverage manufacturers and 599 food and beverage storage warehouses in the state.
Prescription and non-prescription drugs, medical devices, and medical gasses
FDU is responsible for ensuring the sanitary manufacture and storage of drugs, medical devices, and medical gasses within the state. Presently, there are 60 drug or medical gas manufacturers, 17 medical device storage warehouses, 241 medical gas warehouses, and 78 drug storage warehouses.
Cosmetics
FDU provides regulatory oversight of cosmetic manufacturers and storage facilities in the state. Presently, there are 4 cosmetic manufacturers and 65 cosmetic warehouses.
Water Vending Machines
This is a relatively new program for the FDU. FDU personnel permit vending machines that provide customers with a fixed amount of filtered water from an approved water supply for a small fee.
UV Tanning Facilities
FDA considers tanning beds or booths that utilize ultraviolet light (between 200 and 400 nm wavelength) to achieve their intended effect to be Class 1 medical devices. Therefore, FDU personnel inspect 755 UV tanning facilities in the state of Louisiana to verify compliance with applicable regulations.
Commercial Body Art
Commercial body art (CBA) facilities include operations that provide body piercing, body tattooing, and permanent cosmetic enhancements to the public. FDU currently regulates 179 of these operations throughout the state. |