U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), founded in 1906, is a federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food security, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, cosmetics, and veterinary products. Its mission is to advance the public health by helping to speed innovations while ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, and the country's food supply. The FDA has headquarters in Maryland and offices globally.