What are the primary functions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring public health and safety through its regulatory oversight. Its primary functions include overseeing the safety and efficacy of food products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This involves the rigorous evaluation of new drugs and medical products before they can be marketed, as well as ongoing monitoring of their safety once they are available to the public.

The FDA sets standards and conducts inspections to ensure that manufacturers comply with safety regulations, thereby protecting consumers from harmful products. Additionally, the FDA's role in food safety includes establishing guidelines for food production and labeling to prevent contamination and ensure that food products are safe for consumption.

This focus on food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices distinguishes the FDA as a regulatory authority pivotal to public health, making the option regarding its role in these areas the correct choice.