Food Products in the US

Regulation, Classification and Distinctions of Medicinal Products Within the United States.

In 2005, one in twelve Americans had the probability of developing getting cancer between the ages of 40 and 59. In 2006, Heart disease caused 26% of deaths that took place in the United States. Equally compelling from the statistics from the Center for Disease control and prevention show 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans are from chronic diseases. We eat, we get sick, and we die. Health is a major element in our lives, and since a major portion of our health is what we eat, and how we self medicate, food products are of high importance.

Food products play a significant role in our GDP, so it is economically crucial to understand the differences in function and form, between these substances. In the United States, the rules and regulations for food products range tremendously for each classification, from conventional foods that have to petition for health benefit claims, which are only governed by several bodies, to pharmaceuticals, which can advertise curing of diseases, but must go through dozens of regulating forces, and strenuous safety protocols. The regulations and startup costs associated with each substance affect every chain of decisions, from product conception, to end user choices. The way products are classified have significant ramifications for formulation, advertisement, patents, and regulation, which all lead to important socioeconomic impacts.

Classifications of food products in the United States fall into three broad categories: conventional foods, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. Whereas, European regions have hybrid combinations, ( like pseudo-drugs and supplemental foods) there are only 3 distincti...

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... help acquire customers effectively, and coupled with extensive patent laws, as well as ridiculous profit margins during production, make pharmaceutical firms few and lucrative. Supplements and conventional foods on the other hand, can advertise pre-approved F.D.A. health benefits, but must contain a disclaimer, stating that they will not cure a disease; Their benefits are only associated. The advertising requirements for these food products are stricter, and not as tempting to customers seeking benefits. However, conventional foods, and dietary supplements have relatively low start up costs, moderate safety regulation, and average mark ups, making them more viable to the average producer. Each distinction of food product fulfills different wants and needs in society, and the differences in substance classification and regulation, serve to help society at large.