The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its Strategic Plan for Risk Communication Wednesday, which outlines the agency’s efforts to disseminate more meaningful public health information.  The plan also lays out a framework for the FDA to provide information about FDA-regulated products to health care professionals, patients and consumers in the form they need it and when they need it, and for how the agency oversees industry communications.

"We are committed to improving communications the public receives about the products we regulate," said Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "The FDA must communicate frequently and clearly about risks and benefits and inform patients and consumers about ways to minimize risk as they become increasingly involved in managing their health and well-being."

The plan, which has gained the full support of United Fresh reflects the FDA's belief that risk communications must be adapted to the needs of different audiences and should be evaluated to ensure effectiveness. The plan also focuses on improving two-way communication through enhanced partnerships with government and non-government organizations, and focuses on policies that affect areas of high public health impact.