Does FDA Regulate Food?

Yes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food in the United States. The FDA is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, labeling, and manufacturing standards of the nation’s food supply—excluding meat, poultry, and certain egg products, which fall under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The FDA’s regulatory authority includes most domestic and imported food products such as dairy, seafood, produce, bottled water, food additives, dietary supplements, and infant formulas. It enforces the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), which mandates that foods must be safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Additionally, under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the FDA shifted its focus from responding to contamination to preventing it.

To fulfill its mandate, the FDA conducts facility inspections, issues guidance documents, sets standards for food labeling, and oversees recalls when necessary. It also works closely with state agencies and international counterparts to maintain food safety throughout the supply chain.

While the FDA doesn’t regulate all food products, it has a broad and critical role in protecting public health by overseeing the safety and proper labeling of the majority of the U.S. food supply.