Which agency is responsible for regulating food and drug products available to the public?

The Food and Drug Administration, commonly known as the FDA, is the agency tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of food and drug products available to the public. This includes overseeing the approval process for new drugs, monitoring the safety of food products, and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding labeling and marketing. The FDA plays a critical role in protecting public health by evaluating the scientific evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and food products before they can be sold to consumers.

In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily focuses on public health and safety by preventing and controlling disease outbreaks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for environmental protection and regulating pollutants, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focuses on biomedical research and advancing medical knowledge. Each of these agencies has distinct roles, but the FDA specifically addresses the regulation of food and drug products, making it the correct choice for this question.