FDA Launches New Web Page, E-newsletter to Enhance Online Consumer Health Information

Keeping up with the latest consumer health information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just got easier. FDA today announced two new initiatives to enhance online communications. A Web page, "Consumer Health Information for You and Your Family" (www.fda.gov/consumer), provides comprehensive and timely consumer information. A free monthly e-newsletter, "FDA Consumer Health Information" (www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html), will alert consumers to content contained on the page.

"The Web page and e-newsletter are important new consumer resources that will feature timely stories on pressing FDA topics, provide links to our most requested information, and include interactive content," says Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

The new consumer Web page will present important public health developments clearly and accurately in easy-to-read language. A current article describes FDA's ongoing investigation of the recent recall of more than 100 brands of pet food due to potential contamination. Other current articles discuss the benefits and risks of pain relievers, facts about generic drugs, and what FDA is doing to keep produce safe.

The page also provides links to useful information about the various products that FDA regulates, including food, human and animal drugs, medical devices, and vaccines and other biologics. The page also links to health information available from other U.S. government sources, and provides essential health information in Spanish.

The e-newsletter replaces the agency's print magazine and is expected to reach far more people. Subscribers will receive notice of product approvals, safety warnings, and other health news.

FDA invites feedback on the new Web page and the e-newsletter. Comments and questions may be sent via email to fdaconsumerlist@oc.fda.gov or mailed to FDA Consumer Health Information, Food and Drug Administration, HFI-40, Room 15-A29, Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857.

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