Three Products FDA Regulates That You Might Not Know

I stumbled upon the website of the U.S. Foods and Drugs Administrator or FDA while browsing the internet.  Reading its website made me realize how the FDA’s function affects the day to day lives of the American people. I was surprised to know that part of its function is to regulate the safety of the supply of blood in the United States. As what its name bears, the agency is easily related to issues of foods and drugs.

 Aside from regulating the supply of blood in the United States, FDA also regulates the safety of the following products that an ordinary person might not commonly associate as one of its responsibilities.

1.       Cosmetics

FDA regulates the safety of the ingredients in the production of cosmetics for human use. It also ensures that cosmetics are labeled properly so that consumers know what kind of ingredients is used in its production.

2.       Electronics

FDA oversees the performance of electronic products that emit radiation. This includes television receivers, x-ray equipments and microwave ovens. This is another area of FDA’s responsibilities that surprised me. I previously thought these electronic products are overseen by another agency directly related to electronics.

3.       Veterinary

Livestock feeds, pet foods, drugs and devices related to veterinary are regulated by FDA. It is interesting to note that FDA was created out of the issue of sanitation in the meat packing industry during the 1990s; hence one of its original roles was to administer the inspection of the meat industry. This role was later on transferred to the Department of Agriculture.

The FDA collaborates with other relevant agencies in performing its regulatory functions. This way it effectively performs its function of protecting American public health.