Title 21 › CHAPTER 9 — FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT › SUBCHAPTER VI — COSMETICS › § 364a
Companies or people who make, pack, or sell cosmetics must tell the Secretary (FDA) about any report they get of a serious bad reaction that happened in the United States. They must send a full report and a copy of the product label within 15 business days after they get the report. If they learn new medical facts related to that report within one year, they must send those facts within 15 business days. The FDA will build a system so companies can send one combined report for duplicates or new information. The FDA can create exemptions if it decides they will not harm public health. The company must list a U.S. address, phone number, or email on the label so people can report problems. Companies must keep adverse event records for 6 years (or 3 years for certain small businesses that don’t make or process products). Authorized HHS inspectors may see those records during inspections. If the FDA has reason to suspect a fragrance or flavor ingredient caused the problem, it can ask for the ingredient list and the company must provide it within 30 days; that information is kept confidential. Reports and new information are treated as safety reports and as private medical records, so personal details must be removed before public release. Sending a report does not mean the company admits the product caused the event.
Full Legal Text
Food and Drugs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
21 U.S.C. § 364a
Title 21, Food and Drugs
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110