[goldcd]

If it's anything like similar agencies in other countries, it'll be completely understaffed, funding will have been cut in the name of reducing 'big government' - and any infractions it manages to prosecute will end up with minor slaps on the wrist, that won't discourage the next person wanting to cut a corner.

Always struck me as odd how few resources actually seem to get spent on the things that obviously keep us safe (clean water, clean air, safe foods etc). I do however admire the dark arts of those that manage to push back the safeguards here, that surely nobody would oppose.

[wrycoder]

The FDA isn't underfunded or understaffed by any stretch of the imagination. Their funding is mis-allocated and not optimally applied to protect the public that pays the funding.

[pdoege]

Are you sure? A quick review of the budget over time shows that the biggest outlays are on food and drugs, which seems correct? In fact the medical drug industry is what, $300B and food is around $1.2T? The FDA is around $8B or .5% of the industry. Seems lowish for proper oversite of 2 really important parts of our lives.