Federal+Food,+Drug,+and+Cosmetic+Act

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act 1938,1954, 1958

A. The name of the the Act is the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The year in which it was drafted was June 25, 1938. In July of 1954 amendments were made to the act regarding levels of chemicals in products and in 1958 food additive amendments were made.

B. This legislation is a national piece of legislation.The entire country has to follow the rules regarding chemicals and pesticides in processed foods, agricultural production, and cosmetics. Without verification that a company or business has met the requirements of the EPA's standards for chemical levels, a company or business can not sell their products in any American market legally.

C. Prior to this act there were not any regulations about the use of pesticides and the amount that was aloud to be spread over food and interstate commerce, which includes imports. When Rachel Carson wrote her book, "Silent Spring" the country erupted in discussion over whether or not pesticides were harmful and should have limitations or not. Even though this piece of legislation was brought about four years prior to Carson's book, Americans were not fully aware of the harm that pesticides were causing on the environment and in their own lives. In 1938, the framework for the current law about pesticides and fertilizers was written. However, it wasn't until 1954 that the Congress added an amendment that would protect consumers from pesticide and additive residue on agricultural goods and services. In 1958, Congress then added a food additive amendment setting limits on the amounts of pesticide residue aloud in processed foods. Also, it banned any known cancer-causing food additives from being used. Looking at this legislation from the cosmetic point of view, it has improved the quality of cosmetics and the safety of the women who use them. Prior to this act, cosmetics contained chemicals that could go through a woman's pores and eventually kill her. Luckily, this act has banned the use of such chemicals and now women use cosmetics with vitamins and SPF in them to help keep their skin and body healthy.

D. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act has been very successful. Not only are there boards to approve the levels of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers on agriculture, other products and cosmetics but farmers, manufacturers and cosmetic companies now look for healthier and more organic ways to produce their products. Americans are more understanding of what the effects of chemicals and pesticides have on their health and skin. Many people lean towards more organic foods and products that are "greener" for the environment. Cosmetic companies such as Olay, Cover Girl, Revlon and L'Oreal are just a few of the handful of companies that now infuse vitamins into their cosmetics to allow for healthier skin and beauty. Also,

E. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is the agency that is in charge of enforcing all laws and regulations regarding the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The EPA has specific boards set up to approve or deny products from agriculture companies, processed food manufacturers and cosmetic companies. Without approval from the EPA board, a company/business is not aloud to sell their product in American markets.

Works Cited "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)." U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. .

"Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. .

"Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, United States." Encyclopedia of Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. .