Consumer Protectors

As a consumer, you are protected from individuals and origanizations that  are deceptive by govermental agencies and public, private, and professional associations. You have the greatest protection when you know how each of these agencies and associations operate and how you can use them.

Govermental Agencies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that checks the safety and effectiveness of drugs and medical devices and the purity and safety of foods and cosmetict.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States. It deals with advertising for foods, drugs, cosmetics, devices, and all advertising on national television. It fosters effecttive consumer protection at state and local levvels.

The United States Postal Service protects the public against the use of mail fraud to promote products, devices, or services.

The Office of Consumer Affairs represent the interests of the consumer to the President of the United states and represents the President to the consumer. This agency investigates consumer problems, coordinates research, conducts seminars on consumer issues, and assists state and local goverments in protecting consumer in terests.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission develops and enforces safety standards for household products.

State and Local Agencies and Associations

State health departments usually have a consumer affairs office that takes action when harmful product are sold within the state.

Local or city health departments often have a consumer affairs department that takes action when there is consumer fraud at the city or local level, the Legal Aid Department may assist in consumer cases.