What is the role of the FDA in nutrition?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating food labeling and ensuring food safety. This involves overseeing the accuracy of nutritional information presented on food packaging, ensuring that labels provide consumers with essential information about ingredients, nutritional content, and any potential allergens. Additionally, the FDA establishes standards for food safety through regulations, inspections, and compliance checks to protect public health from foodborne illnesses.

The responsibilities of the FDA specifically include evaluating and approving food additives, monitoring the safety of the food supply, and enforcing laws related to food safety. This regulatory framework helps to ensure that consumers have access to safe and properly labeled food products, thereby fostering more informed choices regarding nutrition.

While promoting healthy eating campaigns and providing dietary guidelines are important aspects of nutrition for public health, these activities are typically the responsibility of different agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FDA's primary focus is on regulation and safety within the food supply.