ABSTRACT
The basic need of all humans for food ensured that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be among the most intensely investigated of all federal regulators. Lodged in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, FDA had a statutory mission to regulate the safety, economic integrity, and ingredient labeling of all food products. As the General Accounting Office's (GAO) work continued, the need for wide review both by government agencies and concerned groups became apparent. The auditors in Detroit, pulling together a massive amount of information and findings from around the country, produced a first draft for immediate review by Manpower and Welfare Division officials. A draft incorporating the unofficial comments, and containing all of the GAO's recommendations, was sent to the agencies for their formal comments. In line with GAO recommendations on full disclosure of ingredients and percentage of characterizing ingredients, the Food and Drug Administration has published a series of food-labeling regulations in the Federal Register.
