3 ms·
For me the issue is not exactly “burning down” the FDA, but rather changing its purpose from regulatory to only advisory (and hopefully changing associated stat
by PatentlyDC123 8y ago
For me the issue is not exactly “burning down” the FDA, but rather changing its purpose from regulatory to only advisory (and hopefully changing associated statutes). The FDA provides a very valuable service by identifying the risks associated with various food and drug. It is one thing to educate the public and say “XYZ presents risk of ABC for this specific group of consumers.” It is a very different thing to also add “therefore, consumers cannot make the decision to take on the risks associated with XYZ because the FDA (and associated governing bodies) have decided the general population should not take these risks (regardless of the overall risk level and their individual risk factors).”
- microcolonel 8y agoThis is more or less how I've felt. There are so many high-risk behaviors which are perfectly legal, and when our right to take risks in those ways is challenged, there is generally backlash; but in the case of drugs we are legally prohibited from taking risks. I think the FDA's prohibitive authority does more to protect the interests of established pharmaceutical manufacturers, than the interests of consumers.