FDA's Hayes: goal approach to regulation

Abstract

The Food & Drug Administration performs one of the most important and keenly felt tasks of any federal agency—assuring Americans a safe food supply and effective and safe medication. The extent and importance of the agency's duties have increased manyfold since the first food safety law passed in 1906 and Harvey W. Wiley was the first FDA commissioner. Today, FDA through a variety of laws and amendments monitors food additives, food colors, medical devices, biologies, and more. Throughout its existence, FDA generally has been an efficient and highly regarded organization. Arthur Hull Hayes Jr., 48, became the 17th FDA commissioner April 13, 1981. He came to government from a clinical position at a time of considerable flux in federal policies prompted by the Reagan Administration. Fiscal restraint, regulatory reform, and reduced government are all policies likely to influence FDA operations. In a recent interview with C&EN, Hayes talked about the impact of some of these ...