Figure 10.4
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety and effectiveness of medication.
(Credit: Rawpixel/ pexels/ License: CC0)
EpiPens are automatic injection devices that deliver lifesaving medication that can save an individual in the
event of exposure to an allergen, like a bee sting or peanuts. The United States faced a shortage of EpiPens, so
in 2018, the FDA took action to address this issue. The FDA approved the extension of EpiPen expiration dates
for four months on specific lots of the EpiPen. This extension impacted both the public and the organization
that produces EpiPens. In the same year, the FDA approved the first generic EpiPen. The new generic version
will be produced by a pharmaceutical company that has not previously produced the EpiPen. These two
actions impact consumers by increasing the supply of lifesaving EpiPens.
Another well-known agency is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC was formed in 1914 when
President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Trade Commission Act into law. The goal of the agency is to
protect the consumer, encourage business competition, and further the interests of consumers by
encouraging innovation. The FTC works within the United States as well as internationally to protect
consumers and encourage competition. The agency fulfills this role by developing policies, partnering with law
enforcement to ensure consumer protection, and helping to ensure that markets are open and free. For
instance, management and enforcement of the Do Not Call List is part of the FTC’s consumer protection goals.
The FTC protects consumers from unfair or misleading practices. Phone scams are a common issue. Scammers
go to great lengths to trick the public into donating to false charities, providing personal information, or giving
access to financial information. The FTC is aware of these issues and has put rules in place to punish scammers
and educate the public. The FTC created a phone scammer reporting process to help collect information about
scammers so that they can be prosecuted. The agency also collects information about scammers and creates
educational materials for the public. These materials are designed to help consumers identify possible phone
scammers, avoid their tactics, and report their activities.
A complete list of U.S. government agencies can be found at https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a
(https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a) .
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Chapter 10 Government Regulation
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