Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1938 that regulates the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics. It gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to ensure products are safe, effective, and properly labeled before they reach consumers. This means that pharmaceuticals must be proven safe for use, food products must meet safety standards, and cosmetics must not be harmful. The FDCA aims to protect public health by preventing adulterated or misbranded products from entering the market.