Final answer:
The FDA ensures the safety and efficacy of drugs, regulates their manufacturing, labeling, and advertising, and has roles in food security and public health. The degree of regulation varies by product type, with stringent rules for prescription drugs and more modest oversight for cosmetics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds the responsibility of ensuring that drugs are both safe and effective. Although the FDA cannot guarantee that a drug is completely free from adverse reactions, as individuals may respond differently to medications, it does rigorously evaluate the safety of drugs before approval. A drug's efficacy is also a major concern for the FDA, as they assess and confirm that the drug effectively treats the condition it is marketed for. As part of their duties, the FDA also monitors the manufacturing, labeling, advertising, and marketing of pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the FDA has a role in the security of the nation's food supply and develops medical products to respond to health threats.
In regulatory programs, the FDA operates through established standards and facility inspections, although the extent of regulation varies by product type and associated risks. For prescription drugs, this includes oversight of testing, manufacturing, and promotion, whereas for cosmetics, it primarily involves labeling and safety. Significantly, the FDA's responsibilities are outlined in various federal laws such as the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and are enforced alongside other federal agencies when required.