You Asked It!

What Does “FDA Approved” Mean?

You see it in commercials, the news, websites and more for new products. Companies say their products are “FDA approved,” but how can you know for sure what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves?

FDA is responsible for protecting public health by regulating human drugs and biologics, animal drugs, medical devices, tobacco products, food (including animal food), cosmetics, and electronic products that emit radiation.

Some products do not undergo premarket approval — that is, a review of safety and effectiveness by FDA experts and agency approval before a product can be marketed. In some cases, FDA’s enforcement efforts focus on products after they are already for sale. Even when FDA approval is not required before a product is sold, the agency has authority to act when safety issues arise.

Learn more at www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm047470.htm

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.

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