Final answer:
Most expiration labels in the US are not federally regulated, except for baby formula. The FDA controls food and drug safety through various regulations, including the requirement for nutrition facts on packaged foods, and the discussion on e-cigarette regulation as tobacco products continues. Medicine regulation aims to ensure consumer safety, sometimes causing delays in new drug availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, expiration labels on most products are not federally regulated, with the exception of baby formula. The FDA does require nutrition facts labels on packaged foods and regulates certain aspects of food safety and cosmetics, including color additives and labeling. While cosmetics that have not been safety tested must display a warning, there is no federal mandate for a uniform system to regulate the expiration dates of most food and cosmetic products.
Additionally, the FDA has the authority to regulate tobacco products, including the requirement for warnings on cigarette packages and advertising. This has led to a discussion on whether e-cigarettes should be similarly regulated as tobacco products, considering their rising popularity and marketed position as safer alternatives.
Medicines, on the other hand, are strictly regulated by the FDA to ensure safety and efficacy, which entails rigorous testing before reaching the market. This is beneficial to protect consumers from unsafe drugs but can also lead to delays that affect patients waiting for new treatments.