US Food and Drug Administration FDA FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about US Food and Drug Administration FDA.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is the FDA?
The FDA stands for the Food and Drug Administration, a government agency responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety of food, drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products in the United States.
How do I know if a product is FDA-approved?
You can check if a product is FDA-approved by looking for a label, stamp, or statement on the product packaging. You can also search for the product in the FDA's online database of approved products.
What types of products does the FDA regulate?
The FDA regulates a wide range of products, including food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and tobacco products.
Why was my product recalled by the FDA?
Products are typically recalled by the FDA if they pose a risk to public health or safety. Reasons for recalls can include contamination, mislabeling, or defects.
How can I report a problem with a product to the FDA?
You can report a problem with a product to the FDA by visiting their website or by calling their toll-free number.
What does "FDA-cleared" mean?
"FDA-cleared" means that the FDA has reviewed and approved a medical device as safe and effective for its intended use.
Can I import prescription drugs for personal use?
In most cases, it is illegal to import prescription drugs for personal use. Only FDA-approved drugs can be legally imported for personal use.
How do I know if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
You can use the FDA's website to check if an online pharmacy is legitimate by looking for their name on the list of verified internet pharmacy practice sites.
What should I do if I have a bad reaction to a medication?
If you experience a bad reaction to a medication, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider. You can also report the reaction to the FDA's MedWatch program.
Can I trust dietary supplements that claim to be "all-natural" or "herbal"?
Not necessarily. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements as strictly as drugs, so there is no guarantee that products claiming to be "all-natural" or "herbal" are safe or effective.
What is a Drug Master File (DMF)?
A Drug Master File (DMF) is a confidential submission to the FDA that provides detailed information about the manufacturing processes, facilities, and materials used in the production of a drug product.
Why was my DMF rejected by the FDA?
DMF submissions may be rejected by the FDA if they are incomplete, contain false information, or do not meet the agency's requirements.
What is a Drug Master File number?
A Drug Master File number is a unique identifier, assigned by the FDA, to each DMF submission.
Can the FDA provide legal advice?
No, the FDA cannot provide legal advice. If you have legal questions related to the FDA, you should consult a lawyer.
What does "FDA-compliant" mean?
"FDA-compliant" means that a product, process, or organization adheres to the standards and regulations set by the FDA.
How do I know if a cosmetic product is safe?
The safety of cosmetic products is regulated by the FDA. You can check if a cosmetic product is safe by looking for the required ingredient list on the packaging and ensuring it does not contain any banned substances.
Can I donate blood if I take certain medications?
Some medications may affect your eligibility to donate blood. Check the FDA's guidelines for blood donation to see if your medication is listed.
Why was my food product detained by the FDA?
The FDA detains food products if they believe the products may be contaminated or pose a health risk. The products will be held until they pass inspection.
What is food labeling?
Food labeling is the process of providing information about the nutritional contents, ingredients, and potential allergens of a food product on the packaging.
What is a warning letter from the FDA?
A warning letter from the FDA is a letter notifying a company that their product, process, or facility violates FDA regulations and could potentially harm public health.
What should I do if I receive a warning letter from the FDA?
If you receive a warning letter from the FDA, you should take immediate action to address the issues outlined in the letter to avoid further consequences.
Why was my medical device submission not accepted by the FDA?
Medical device submissions may be rejected by the FDA if they do not meet the agency's requirements or if they are deemed unsafe or ineffective.
Can I sell homemade food products?
It is generally not legal to sell homemade food products, as they may not meet safety standards set by the FDA. It is recommended to check with your local health department for regulations on homemade food sales in your area.
What does "GRAS" mean?
"GRAS" stands for "Generally Recognized As Safe" and is a designation given by the FDA to food substances that are considered safe for consumption by experts based on scientific evidence.
How do I submit a complaint to the FDA?
You can submit a complaint to the FDA by filling out an online form on their website or by calling their toll-free number. Provide as much detail as possible about the issue and any potential evidence or documentation.
Can I use the FDA logo on my product packaging?
No, the FDA logo is reserved for official use only and should not be used on product packaging or advertisements.