FDA’s Budget Increase Meant to Better Protect Consumers, But US Buyers Must Still Beware

Signage outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Md., on Aug. 29, 2020. Andrew Kelly/Reuters

On March 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its request for $7.2 billion as part of the president’s fiscal year 2024 budget—an increase of 10 percent from 2023’s approved budget.

While the agency has more money to perform its duties—including substantial funds from industry—it still leaves a lot of work for average Americans to do in terms of figuring out what is safe to eat or drink. Fortunately, there is much you can do to better protect yourself from problematic products and ingredients.

Taxpayer Funding and User Fees

FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. says the requested increase in funding will ensure that “… our program areas have the funding they need to operate with the highest success for the good of public health.”