Healthy Skepticism Library item: 13201

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Tanne JH.
Congress asks for investigation of FDA resources and staffing
BMJ 2008 Mar 8; 336:(7643):525
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/336/7643/525-a

Abstract:

Congressional committees have made two requests for investigations to determine whether the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the resources and staff to do its job of protecting the US public.

The agency is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of consumer products, including 80% of the nation’s food supply and human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

Four committees of the US House of Representatives and the Senate asked the General Accountability Office, the independent investigative arm of Congress, to look into the FDA’s staffing and resources.

Congress Daily reported that the accountability office will undertake the investigation. Marcia Crosse, the office’s healthcare director, said that the investigation would involve several teams, but she did not give a time schedule (www.CongressDaily.com, 26 Feb, “Probe of FDA gets support from key lawmakers”).

The request came . . .