Here's a look at the logo for the US Food and Drug Agency, and a few things that you might not know about it.

FDA Logo Design

The logo for the FDA is a relatively simple design. That might make it look like it's not important. But that's not what logo design is all about.

This image tells you what you're looking at, no matter whether it's big or small, in color or in black and white. Too many company and agency logos don't do these basic things. This simple piece of art is actually very powerful.

It stands for the agency that keeps our food and medicine safe, and employs almost ten thousand people. When you see it, you automatically think of the FDA.

Ways To Use The Logo Of The FDA

Of course, there are some specific ways the logo needs to be used. It should never be put on any publication or product without the permission of the FDA. It should also never be used to suggest that a service, product, or company has the FDA's approval. Misusing the logo is a violation of federal law, and it could result in fines or other penalties.


People who have the right reasons for using the logo can find copies of it on the FDA website. They're mostly ready for low-res printing or publishing online. People who need clearer copies will need to get in touch with the FDA for a better file.


Could The Logo Be Used Better ?

Some people say that the FDA isn't getting as much use out of its logo as it should. They say that instead of just putting the logo on the FDA webpage and official documents, the agency should use it for more.

For instance, the logo or another special mark could be used to show what kinds of products and guides have been approved. Drug companies could link to product information and medical guides that the agency has approved for distribution.

After all, a lot of people are doing research on the Internet, but not all the information they find is actually right. If the FDA put its logo or another symbol out there for approved use, you could know whether the drug information you see is really correct.

The FDA could regulate what people say about health. That doesn't mean things that aren't approved would be wrong. It does mean that you could see right away if a guide is approved.

The logo might show up in your search results or webpage links. It would tell you at a glance whether you're looking at a site that the FDA thinks is accurate. Of course, there would also be a warning statement with it.

The FDA can't guarantee that a drug doesn't have some risks. Clicking on the warning would take you to a page that tells you all the possible dangers of any medicine. Even aspirin has some side effects and risks, after all.

Imagine looking up information about a drug, and seeing the FDA logo next to the information. You'd have a much more secure feeling, and be able to know that you're reading something that's been checked over. It's not just a way for drug companies to sell their medication. That could be one great way for the FDA to get more out of its logo.

The FDA definitely needs to start using the Internet to communicate. Something like an approval image or just the FDA logo could be one way to start doing this. Next time you see the FDA logo, think about what it's telling you. You might be surprised by everything you get from this simple image. It hasn't been around as long as the agency, but it's still very useful.