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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration
Rockville MD 20857

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DISTRICT CONSUMER FORUM
"FDA Listens to You" "Public Input on Public Health"

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Pacific Regional and District Offices with cooperation from the FDA's Office of Consumer Affairs will convene a series of three District Consumer Forums on May 12 (San Francisco, CA), May 14 (Los Angeles, CA), and May 17 (Portland, OR). These Forums are designed to create an opportunity for the FDA to hear directly from consumers regarding their concerns over health and policy issues. The Pacific Region is reaching out to a broad representation of community-based and consumer organizations to facilitate reaching the full diversity of consumers in this region. FDA and the Pacific Region want to listen to public perspectives on how FDA can improve customer service and utilize the information gained in the Agency's decision making procedures. From these Forums, FDA can identify grassroots issues and concerns and further improve the understanding and communication between FDA and the general public. In addition, it will give consumers a greater balance in FDA's decision-making process.

Anticipated Outcomes:

To provide a vehicle for two-way communication, sensitizing the Agency, consumers, and consumers' coalitions to each other's concerns by:

• Talking with and listening to consumers and community leaders to assess the level of customer satisfaction with FDA consumer outreach and protection activities and the need for course correction or enhancements;
• 
  Bringing consumer initiated health issues to FDA's attention and obtaining the, Agencies perspectives on the issues;
  
• Educating consumers about an issue, activity, or program resulting in a greater understanding of FDA's current regulatory positions and proposed policy issues;
  Incorporating ideas from consumers into the Pacific Regions Strategic Planning Process.

General Information

FDA is a science based consumer protection agency. One fourth of all consumers spending is on products regulated by the FDA. The public relies on FDA to ensure the safety and efficacy of its regulated products in the marketplace. FDA is responsible for ensuring foods are safe, wholesome, and sanitary; human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices are safe and effective; cosmetics and electronic products that emit radiation are safe. FDA also ensures that these regulated products are honestly, accurately labeled, and is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Thus FDA strives to maximize public health protection while reducing regulatory burdens.

FR Notice Public Input on Public Health; Open Public Forum, Federal Register: April 5, 1999