The Consumer Protection Branch leads the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce consumer protection statutes throughout the United States. To accomplish its mission, the Branch brings both criminal and affirmative civil enforcement actions. The Branch handles litigation and related matters arising under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and various other federal statutes that protect consumer health and safety. The Branch also handles matters involving consumer frauds—especially those affecting American seniors, servicemembers, and veterans—and litigates cases under statutes administered by the Federal Trade Commission. In addition to its enforcement work, the Consumer Protection Branch defends the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and other consumer-protection agencies against challenges to their programs and actions filed in district courts throughout the United States.

[updated January 2021]