What is one major global regulatory agency?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is indeed recognized as a major global regulatory agency, particularly in the context of health and consumer safety. It plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of food products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices not only in the United States but also has significant influence on global standards. The FDA sets regulations that can impact international trade, as many countries look to U.S. standards when developing their own regulatory frameworks. This makes it a key player in the global regulatory landscape, especially for industries that require rigorous health and safety oversight.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) focuses mainly on public health issues at a global level, its role is more advisory and policy-driven rather than regulatory in the same sense as the FDA. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) deals with financial stability and monetary cooperation, which is a broader economic focus rather than specific regulatory oversight on products or consumer safety. The European Commission (EC) manages the policies of the European Union but is not a global entity in the same regard as the FDA. Therefore, the FDA stands out as a major regulatory agency with a direct impact on global standards in health and safety.