Which agency enforces provisions of the FD&C Act prohibiting the sale of products with false labeling?

• A. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• B. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• C. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• D. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Answer: (A)

Enforcement of labeling rules for foods, drugs, and cosmetics under the FD&C Act is carried out by the Food and Drug Administration. The act prohibits selling products that are misbranded or adulterated, and misbranding includes false or misleading labeling. The FDA has the authority to inspect products, enforce recalls, and take enforcement actions to remove misbranded items from the market. The FTC handles truth-in-advertising for some product claims, but the specific provisions prohibiting sale of products with false labeling fall under the FDA. USDA handles meat, poultry, and certain egg products, and the IRS has no role in labeling enforcement.