The Consumer Protection Branch (“CPB”) handles criminal and civil litigation and related matters arising under federal statutes that protect consumers’ health, safety, economic security, and identity integrity. The Branch is responsible for criminal and civil actions under statutes administered by the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and under certain statutes administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. See 28 C.F.R. § 0.45(j); JM 4-1.313. The Branch also defends against challenges to government programs and policies in consumer-related areas, including actions of the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

CPB, created in 1971, has been central in developing the caselaw under the various consumer protection statutes over which it has jurisdiction, and the Branch has considerable expertise in these areas of the law.

CPB frequently partners with U.S. Attorney's Offices ("USAOs") and other Department components to advance complex investigations and litigation. Through such collaboration, CPB is able to share substantial resources related to investigative leads, evidence review, and model pleadings. Among other things, CPB’s coordination with USAOs and others ensures that unique legal, policy, and factual concerns, as well as necessary approvals, are appropriately considered in litigation under CPB’s statutes.

[updated January 2021]