Which agency is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices, and by ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation?

Which agency is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices, and by ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency
• B. Food and Drug Administration
• C. Department of Health and Human Services
• D. United States Department of Agriculture

Answer: (B)

Think about which organization coordinates the safety and effectiveness of medicines, vaccines, biological products, medical devices, and the safety of most foods, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products. That role is filled by the Food and Drug Administration, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA reviews and approves human and veterinary drugs and biological products, regulates medical devices (from simple to complex), and oversees cosmetics and most of the nation’s food supply to protect public health. It also regulates items that emit radiation. (Note: some meat, poultry, and processed eggs fall under USDA oversight, but the FDA handles the rest of the food supply and the listed product areas.)

Think about which organization coordinates the safety and effectiveness of medicines, vaccines, biological products, medical devices, and the safety of most foods, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products. That role is filled by the Food and Drug Administration, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA reviews and approves human and veterinary drugs and biological products, regulates medical devices (from simple to complex), and oversees cosmetics and most of the nation’s food supply to protect public health. It also regulates items that emit radiation. (Note: some meat, poultry, and processed eggs fall under USDA oversight, but the FDA handles the rest of the food supply and the listed product areas.)