What is the function of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP)?

The function of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is to set quality standards for medications, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. This organization is a scientific nonprofit that plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and benefit of drugs and food products. The standards established by the USP are legally recognized and help ensure that these products meet the criteria necessary for efficacy and safety before they are made available to the public.

These quality standards include requirements for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drugs and food ingredients. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can ensure that their products are consistent and reliable, which ultimately protects public health. This is essential in the pharmacy profession, as pharmacy technicians must be aware of the standards that govern the products they handle.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the USP. While pharmacy technicians play an important role in supporting pharmacist licensure and patient education, these functions are not the main responsibilities of the USP. The regulation of pharmacy technicians and the issuance of licenses for pharmacists fall under different regulatory bodies and organizations, while patient education materials are typically provided by healthcare professionals and institutions rather than the USP itself.