STWS takes a look at prominent jobs of the Federal Government. This week: Scientists at the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Being an FDA scientist can be broken down into three broad categories:
The Researcher
Picturing a guy in a lab coat holding a test tube? This is the scientist. FDA researchers explore, experiment, and scrutinize products that companies want approved for production and distribution. The list of items extends beyond strictly “food” and “drugs” to tobacco, make-up, and X-ray equipment. Consumer safety is the name of the game.
The Reviewer
Whether they are reviewing documents from a company that is requesting FDA approval or looking over results and conclusions from the research scientists from above, these FDA scientists do a lot of reading.
The Investigator
These scientists perform duties most people might associate with a law enforcement position. These federal employees go out to the companies that manufacture FDA-approved products to ensure that research and manufacturing regulations are abided.
For all three, the main concern is the safety of the consumer. Without the arduous efforts put in by FDA scientists, the history (and future) of food and drug safety would surely contain many more horror stories than currently exist.
Until Next Time,
**Written by Benjamin Derge, Financial Planner. The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Benjamin Derge and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.
FDA Scientists