The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) turned 100 years old in June 2006. The agency can trace its origins to President Theodore Roosevelt’s signing of the Food and Drugs Act which formed the Bureau of Chemistry, the precursor of today’s FDA.
A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the FDA’s Harvey W. Wiley federal building and featured U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. Also in attendance were descendants of Dr. Harvey W. Wiley, the scientist whose early support of food and drug regulations earned him the title of “Father of the Pure Food and Drugs Act.” Dr. Wiley served as the first director of the Bureau of Chemistry of the United States Department of Agriculture.
The FDA’s centennial celebration, which include conferences and special forums in cities from coast to coast, has the following aims:
- Observe FDA’s role — past, present and future — domestically and internationally in protecting and promoting the health of the public;
- Inspire future efforts to advance science, innovation, and public health through partnerships and alliances with key FDA stakeholders;
- Attract new generations of regulatory scientists; and salute the contributions of FDA employees, alumni, legislators, academicians, industry, consumer groups, and public health leaders to fulfilling FDA’s mission.
Source:
FDA press release