Scary Facts About the FDA: Delegation, Lobbying, and Approval Practices

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a crucial regulatory body tasked with ensuring public health and safety. However, recent events and practices have raised serious concerns among the public and experts. This article delves into the scary facts surrounding the FDA, including issues related to delegation, lobbying, and its stringent approval processes.

Delegation and Regulatory Failures

Under the Trump administration, there were significant changes in regulatory oversight that raised eyebrows. One of the most alarming developments was the de-regulation of toxic waste dumping into drinking water, which poses a serious threat to public health. Water contamination from industrial toxins can lead to severe health issues, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, the administration permitted construction on migratory bird nesting grounds, disregarding the ecological impact and the protection of wildlife. The dumping of unrestrained toxic coal waste further exacerbates the situation, as these pollutants seep into the environment and create long-term hazards.

The Role of Lobbyists and Slow Decision-Making

Another concerning aspect is the influence of big business lobbies on FDA decisions. While it is not entirely surprising that corporations influence policy, the impact on public health can be substantial. Lobbies can slow down the approval process, delaying the introduction of safe new drugs and medical instruments to the European market years before Americans get access to them. This is often not due to scientific concerns but rather to the influence of lobbying efforts. The European market, on the other hand, tends to be more lenient, speeding up the approval and introduction of these innovations. This difference could be attributed to the regulatory speed and priorities of the European agencies compared to their American counterparts.

Approval Practices and Public Health Concerns

The FDA's willingness to approve harmful substances for public use is another alarming aspect. The agency's tendency to overlook the health and safety of men, women, and children demonstrates a lack of accountability. The approval process needs to be more transparent and stringent to protect the public from dangerous products. There have been instances where the FDA has failed to halt the release of harmful substances, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in the name of economic and political gain.

Conclusion: The FDA, while a pivotal regulatory body, faces significant challenges in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of the products it oversees. The issues related to delegation, lobbying, and approval practices suggest the need for reforms to restore the agency's credibility and effectiveness. The public and experts must remain vigilant, advocating for better regulations and standards to protect public health.

Keywords: FDA, Delegation, Lobbying, Toxic Waste Dumping, Drug Approval