What is the primary purpose of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act?

The primary purpose of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs and cosmetics. This landmark legislation, originally passed in 1938, was established to protect public health by requiring that products intended for human consumption must be tested for safety and be shown to be effective for their intended uses.

The Act mandates that all new drugs undergo a rigorous review process before they can be marketed to the public. It requires manufacturers to provide data on the safety and effectiveness of their products, which helps prevent harmful or ineffective products from being sold. Furthermore, the law also governs cosmetics, ensuring they are safe for use and properly labeled.

While regulating advertising and some aspects related to pharmaceutical pricing are important, they are not the central focus of this Act. The regulation of over-the-counter medications pertains to product classifying and safety, but again, the Act's primary mission revolves around ensuring safety and effectiveness which encompasses a broader range of products and their uses.