Final answer:
The FDCA of 1938 established the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which granted the FDA the authority to regulate the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The FDCA of 1938 established the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which is a set of laws that give authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to oversee the safety and labeling of foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other various consumer products. This act was the outcome of public outcry after muckraking exposés revealed dangers in the food and medicine industries, leading to significant reforms including the earlier 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act. The FDCA, as amended, allows the FDA to ensure public health by regulating product safety and enforcing standards for various substances sold in the U.S. The agency is responsible for an extensive range of products and also works in cooperation with other federal and state agencies to fulfill its mission.