McCary ‘seals the deal’ on new-look FDA

After 120 years, the FDA finally has the official seal.

FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry, MD, MPH, unveiled the agency’s new visual indication in press release on January 28, noting that the goal of the design is “to help the public better understand who we are and the many jobs we do.”

The FDA was established in 1906 under the Pure Food and Drug Act, at a time when there were no national standards for safety, quality, or purity for industrial production of foods, beverages, drugs, or cosmetics. Over the past century, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has grown into one of the largest regulatory agencies in the world.

Along the way, the administration has weathered harsh criticism from those who believe it is too strict and narrow-minded, as well as others who claim it is too broad and uneven in its regulation of Big Food and Big Pharma.

McCurry, who was previously an endoscopic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University before taking over as FDA commissioner last March, asserts that many ordinary Americans don’t really understand what the FDA does or why it exists. On this, the agency’s 120th anniversary, he and his staff hope to tell the agency’s story. The new seal – which will enhance but not replace the old monogram logo – is the first step towards achieving this goal.

In addition to highlighting the FDA’s mission statement –To protect public health (“Protect public health” in Latin) – The logo contains a number of symbolic elements that, according to McCarey’s office, tell the agency’s history and vision:

circular border: The circular border of the seal consists of 120 golden triangles representing 120 years of FDA service to the American people. Notably, the same shape was found on the border of the Department of Health and Human Services seal, providing a visual link to the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Food and Drug Administration.

White shield: The white shield symbolizes the FDA’s role in civil and criminal enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a task that the agency carries out, according to its website, “with transparency and virtue.”

The staff of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine: Due to the snake’s ability to shed its skin and rejuvenate itself, the ancient Greeks considered it a symbol of healing. Above the staff is a globe finial, signifying the FDA’s global reach and international locations.

Bald eagle: A familiar American symbol, this bald eagle has its wings spread to signify the FDA’s broad and far-reaching mission to protect the public health and regulate the safety and quality of a wide range of foods, drugs and medical devices.

Open book: The textbook (thankfully it’s not a computer screen!) found in the Aesculapian’s staff base signifies learning, knowledge, and the pursuit of science, according to the FDA version. It also represents the laws (on the books!) that the FDA is obligated to enforce, especially the 1906 law that established the agency. “The book’s cover is red to represent the power and authority of the FDA, the oldest comprehensive consumer protection agency in the U.S. federal government,” the press release explains.

Double helix DNA: Flanking the shield on its left is a representation of the DNA double helix, signifying FDA’s “commitment to gold standard science”—a buzzphrase now widely used by all agencies under RFK Jr’s Department of Health and Human Services—and technological advancement.

Cereal packages: On the other side of the emblem, a DNA helix reflects curved wheat stalks, which the FDA statement says is meant to represent the country’s food supply and the FDA’s responsibility to enforce food safety standards. It’s an interesting symbolic choice, given the controversy surrounding the role of grain-containing foods in human health and disease.

Eight starsSurrounding the Rod of Aesculapius is a ring of eight stars, each representing an industry sector regulated by the FDA: food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, products that emit radiation, vaccines/blood/biologics, animal and veterinary products, cosmetics, and tobacco.

“Today, FDA employees work to prevent and respond to public health crises and emergencies, for example when a foodborne illness strikes or a hurricane devastates domestic drug supplies. They inspect foreign drug facilities to ensure the safety of generic drugs. They analyze samples of suspicious food and drugs to determine the presence of unsafe contaminants. They track down drug criminals who prey on desperate patients,” says FDA’s Office of Public Affairs.

“They also help bring life-changing treatments to market. They advocate on behalf of children, infants, and patients with rare, difficult-to-treat diseases. They strive every day for patient safety — and patient access to meaningful treatments. All of these vital services and more can be found within the FDA seal.”

As with the current FDA logo, there is a strict ban on use of the new seal. It may not be used by companies, commercial groups, media companies or influencers for commercial or promotional purposes.

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