Food And Drug Administration

Name:
Food And Drug Administration
Detailed information:
(FDA). The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including the Food Additives Amendment, which went into effect in March 1960 and has been extended and updated regularly. It has the authority to require proof of the efficacy and safety of drugs, foods, and pharmaceuticals; to conduct and evaluate screening tests; and to compel withdrawal from the market of any such product that it finds ineffective or hazardous. It establishes tolerances on food and animal feed additives of all types, including pesticides, as well as on cosmetic products, flammable fabrics, and packaging and labeling materials. It can also require specific statement on labels of the components or ingredients of a product, as well as precautionary warnings. Headquarters are located at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001. Website: http://www.fda.gov. See Environmental Protection Agency; Food Additive.