Does the FDA Know If Food Is Safe?

When it comes to eating right, can you really be sure that the FDA knows if food is safe? It’s logical to think that this organization, which was established to focus on the health and safety of food, is there for the best interests of consumers. With recent guideline changes and so much conflicting information, though, it’s very common for people to doubt the judgment of this government body. For the most part, this is an organization with tough standards, yet it feels as if some things tend to slip through the cracks. So what’s the answer? How can we be sure that the food we eat is safe? Though you do want to trust the FDA, you may also find that doing a bit of homework yourself can be a good idea.
The whole question of whether the FDA knows if food is safe has come about due to the fact that there have been some rather large gaps. One area in particular that has come under scrutiny, for example, is nutritional supplements. We want to believe that, if a product claims to be good for you and offers key nutrients, its statements can be taken at face value. What a lot of people have been surprised by, though, is that up to this point, the FDA has not been involved with regulating supplements. Though that may change, this has really caused a lot of people to question the FDA. As new food products or categories come about, it’s often hard for the FDA to keep up and ensure that all is well on grocery-store shelves.
Do Your Own Homework Just to Be Sure
Another thing to consider in terms of whether the FDA knows if food is safe is the growing number of food and drug categories. These days, classifications such as organic, free range, and gluten free have become common place. The FDA is supposed to regulate these sorts of claims, but oftentimes there are companies out there that use them incorrectly. So if you are buying a product because you believe that it will fit the bill within these categories, don’t just take the claims for granted. Do be sure that you are reading labels, doing your homework, and knowing exactly what you are getting.
Can it be possible that the FDA knows if food is safe or not? For the most part, yes, and we should feel safe with the majority of our food supply. If, however, we’re talking about supplements or a new category of food, then you may want to do the work on your own to know what you are buying before you consume it. Some products may be new, and the FDA may not be there yet in terms of regulation. The standards are tightening up, though, and the hope is that all will be well and we can feel more fully confident in the safety of our food before you know it.