How to Use the Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects the public health by regulating the safety of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and animal products in the United States. The FDA engages in these efforts with the help of the public's input. Follow these steps to see how you can use the FDA's resources.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Influence the FDA by submitting a petition. You can take action by petitioning the FDA to make, change or strike a regulation. Individuals can submit petitions, but petitions require extensive preparation and most successful petitions come from groups.
2. Shape the FDA's rule-making process by submitting a comment on a proposed rule. Define your argument clearly and back it up with scientific evidence for greatest impact.
3. Notify the FDA about problems with the products it regulates. The FDA ensures that the food we eat and the medicines we use are safe and wholesome. If you experience illness or an adverse reaction, you must notify the FDA so they can take action.
4. Enlist the FDA's help in starting up a food business. The FDA can provide you with guidelines and advice pertaining to nutrition labels, imports and exports, foodborne illness prevention and inspections.
5. Make informed decisions about using non-FDA approved supplements. The FDA posts press releases about products that can harm consumers. For example, the agency recently warned consumers against using a supplement illegally marketed to prevent skin cancer.
6. Prepare for hurricanes or other natural disasters by following the FDA's guidelines. The FDA provides information on food safety, medicines and pet care during storms. You can also learn about returning home safely after a natural disaster.