What is the purpose of the FDA?

• A. To regulate transportation of medical devices
• B. To protect and promote public health
• C. To oversee dietary supplements exclusively
• D. To evaluate educational material for healthcare professionals

Answer: (B)

The purpose of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, is fundamentally to protect and promote public health. This includes ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, food products, and medical devices that are used by the American public. The FDA is responsible for regulatory oversight, which encompasses not only the approval and monitoring of pharmaceuticals but also the regulation of food safety, dietary supplements, and the safety of vaccines and blood products.

While other choices mention important areas, none capture the overarching mission of the FDA as comprehensively as the selected answer. The FDA does engage in various activities that may involve aspects of the other options, such as regulating medical devices and overseeing dietary supplements. However, its primary goal is to safeguard public health on a much broader scale. It also does not specifically focus on evaluating educational materials for healthcare professionals, as that falls under other professional governing bodies and not the FDA's main objectives. Thus, the emphasis on public health aligns best with the core mission of the FDA.