What does the 1988 Food and Drug Administration Act establish?

The 1988 Food and Drug Administration Act fundamentally established the FDA as an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This act reinforced the FDA's role within the federal government structure by placing it under HHS, which is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. Being an agency under HHS allows the FDA to coordinate with other public health initiatives and benefit from the resources and expertise that the department offers, thereby enhancing its capability in regulating food, drugs, and other related products.

The placement of the FDA within HHS emphasizes its commitment to public health and regulatory oversight, as it aligns with the department's broader mission to enhance the health and well-being of the population. This is crucial in ensuring a unified approach to health policy and safety regulations, particularly in matters related to food and pharmaceutical safety.

The other options suggest different roles for the FDA that do not accurately reflect its established relationship with the federal government, such as being an independent agency, a global authority, or a nonprofit organization, which do not align with its defined mission under HHS.