The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an American federal agency that oversees and regulates the quality and safety of medicine, drugs, medical devices, and food items.
The FDA enforces over 200 laws that apply to a wide range of products released for consumption and use by the US public. One such item that is heavily scrutinized by the FDA is tobacco. The FDA does not regulate meat, poultry, or egg products, but it does monitor veterinary products.
New drugs, such as vaccines, must undergo a thorough vetting process before being approved for use. Due to the strict standards and the importance of the American market, FDA approval for drugs is much sought after.
The United States of America has been monitoring and analyzing food and drugs since 1848, and after being moved through the Ministry of Agriculture, the responsibility was given to the agency in 1862.
