Which federal act requires proper labeling on prescription drug containers?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is the legislation that mandates proper labeling on prescription drug containers. This act is crucial because it establishes the standards for the safety, efficacy, and labeling of drugs intended for human consumption.

Under the FDCA, drug labels must provide essential information, including the drug's active ingredients, indications, dosing instructions, warnings, and any applicable side effects. This ensures that patients and healthcare providers have the necessary information to use medications safely and effectively.

In contrast, while the Controlled Substances Act focuses on the regulation of more controlled medications, including scheduling and prescription requirements, it does not specifically address labeling requirements. Similarly, the Drug Enforcement Administration Act primarily deals with the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, and the Prescription Drug Marketing Act is designed to address the distribution and marketing of prescription drugs rather than labeling standards. Therefore, the prominence of the FDCA in establishing comprehensive labeling requirements makes it the correct choice in this context.