On Feb. 3, 1955, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) first Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) met in Washington, D.C. to assess the effectiveness of the administration of the food, drug, and cosmetic laws.

The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare formed the Citizens Advisory Committee to review practices of the FDA and make recommendations to improve resource utilization. The 14-member Committee, consisting of leaders of industry as well as consumers, was chaired by G. Cullen Thomas of General Mills.

Their report of June 1955 contained over 100 recommendations, including over two dozen regarding drugs specifically. Most of the drug recommendations dealt with the NDA program, especially suggestions for accelerating the review program. In general, the Committee recommended that the staff at FDA be increased at least threefold, and the budget as much as fourfold.