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Objectives of the FDA

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, released its strategic action plan to outline its long-term aims and objectives. Each goal in the plan includes objectives that detail how the agency's long-term aims will be met. Those objectives are redrawn or supplemented every few years.

  1. Improve Patient and Consumer Safety

    • The FDA strives to constantly improve patient and consumer safety. It looks to meet this goal by strengthening science that supports public safety, as well as improving communication systems to detect problems and provide product safety information to the public. It also provides patients with access to risk-benefit information for medical products as well as food-borne illnesses clearly and in a timely manner.

    Strengthen the Agency

    • The FDA's first goal seeks to strengthen the agency through several objectives, including reinforcing its scientific expertise to keep up with and ensure the safety of new technology. The agency also looks to create an environment that encourages teamwork, integrity, accountability and transparency. The agency also plans to enhance its partnerships and networks and strengthen its operational base.

    Increase Access to Food and New Medical Products

    • The FDA strives to increase the public's access to new medical and food products. It does so through plans to consistently increase the number of safe, effective medical products to patients, make changes to medical review processes so results are more transparent and predictable because they use the best science available to make decisions. The agency also seeks to increase the public's access to nutritious, safe food products.

    Improve Manufactured-Product Safety and Supply Chain

    • In its fourth goal, the FDA states that it will improve manufactured products' safety and their supply chains by keeping standards and tools up to date. The agency will also find safety problems earlier and develop better-targeted solutions and interventions to prevent harm to the public. Stronger communication and coordination will also contribute to safer supply chains and the products they create.

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