Which organization determines if a product is categorized as a drug or a cosmetic?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the governing body that determines whether a product is classified as a drug or a cosmetic. This distinction is crucial because it dictates how products can be marketed, the regulatory requirements they must meet, and their intended use.

Cosmetics are defined by the FDA as products intended to enhance the beauty or appearance of the skin, hair, or nails, while drugs are products intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases or to affect the structure or any function of the body. The determination is based on the product's ingredients and claims made by the manufacturer regarding its use. If a product is marketed with therapeutic claims, it may be classified as a drug even if it also has cosmetic benefits.

The other organizations listed do not play a role in this specific categorization. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focuses on workplace safety and health regulations, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is concerned with environmental protection and public health, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is primarily focused on public health and safety, particularly in relation to disease control and prevention. Thus, the FDA is the appropriate agency for determining product classification in the context of drugs and cosmetics.