FDA's Role in Regulating Food and Diet

FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), in conjunction with the Agency's field staff, is responsible for promoting and protecting the public's health by ensuring that the nation's food supply is safe, sanitary, wholesome, and honestly labeled. The Center's primary responsibilities include:

• the safety of substances added to food, e.g., food additives (including ionizing radiation) and color additives
  
• the safety of foods and ingredients developed through biotechnology
  
• seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations
  
• regulatory and research programs to address health risks associated with foodborne chemical, and biological contaminants
  
• regulations and activities dealing with the proper labeling of foods (e.g., ingredients, nutrition health claims) and cosmetics
  
• regulations and policy governing the safety of dietary supplements, infant formulas, and medical foods
  
• safe and properly labeled cosmetic ingredients and products
  
• food industry postmarket surveillance and compliance
  
• consumer education and industry outreach
  
• cooperative programs with state and local governments
  
• international food standard and safety harmonization efforts