Government Agencies

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

The FDA is responsible for the safety regulation of most types of foods, dietary supplements, drugs, vaccines, medical products, blood products, medical devices, radiation-emitting devices, veterinary products, and cosmetics. Cosmetics are regulated by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, a branch of the FDA that also regulates food. The FDA only has specific regulations regarding color additives that must be approved before being included in cosmetics products. The cosmetics which have not been safely tested by the FDA must include a warning. Otherwise, cosmetics are not generally subject to premarket approval by the FDA which is why the health risks are not being monitored. This source is important for consumers to see the lack of regulation and legislations surrounding cosmetics ingredients and safety.

U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
(808) 541-2600

Established in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, the USDA was created to develop and execute policy on food, agriculture, and farming. Overall, the agency aims to meet the needs of farmers in the farming industry, promote agricultural trade, assure food safety and protect natural resources in hopes to end hunger in America. In 2002, the USDA established the United State’s National Organic Program which presides over organic certification for US companies. Under the NOP, any farming industry or food processor who wants to use the word “organic” with their products or business must be certified by this third party. This agency is helpful for finding information about how companies become certified “organic” and the laws regarding the official “organic” seal.