The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by regulating and supervising human and veterinary drugs, biologics, medical devices, the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, tobacco products, and radiation‑emitting electronic products.
For the chemical and life sciences sectors, the FDA sets and enforces standards for active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients, food and color additives, food‑contact substances, and cosmetic ingredients. It reviews and approves new and generic drugs and biologics, oversees clinical trials and product labeling, ensures manufacturing quality through current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements, monitors post‑market safety, and conducts inspections and recalls. FDA policies and guidance shape R&D, manufacturing, and market access for materials and products used across healthcare and consumer goods.