The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses two distinct visual identities: a longstanding block-letter logo and a newly unveiled official agency seal. The FDA name and its corresponding logos are trademarks and service marks restricted to official government use and may not be used by the private sector without written authorization from the FDA.[1]
Design and History
In January 2026, marking the agency’s 120th year of service, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary unveiled the agency’s first-ever official seal.[2][3] The seal was designed to help the public better understand the agency’s functions and to signify the public health strides made over the decades.[2] According to reporting on the announcement, the new seal augments but does not replace the longstanding block-letter logo.[3]
The FDA’s primary logo, as documented in the agency’s Visual Identity Program manual (SMG 2128.2), consists of two components: a monogram and a wordmark. The monogram spells out “FDA” inside either an FDA Blue, FDA Black, or FDA White box. The wordmark spells out “U.S. Food and Drug” on one line with “Administration” slightly smaller on a second line in lock-up.[4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The FDA’s official seal, described in detail by the agency, incorporates multiple symbolic elements:[2]
- Border: 120 golden triangles create the border, representing 120 years of FDA service. The same triangular motif appears on the border of the HHS seal, linking the FDA to its parent department, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Shield: The white shield symbolizes the FDA’s high ideals and commitment to civil and criminal enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
- Staff of Aesculapius: A snake-entwined staff symbolizes medicine, topped with a small globe finial signifying the international locations where FDA public health servants work.
- Eagle: The eagle’s widely expanded wings signify the agency’s sweeping mission of public health protection.
- Open book: Represents learning, knowledge, and the pursuit of science, as well as the laws the FDA upholds, including the 1906 Act that brought the agency into existence. The book’s binding is colored red to convey the power and authority of the FDA.
- Double-helix DNA: Located to the left of the white shield against the blue background, it denotes the FDA’s commitment to science and medical technology.
- Grains: On the other side of the badge, grains represent the nation’s food supply and the FDA’s responsibility for setting and enforcing food safety standards.
- Eight stars: Each star represents a product area the FDA oversees: food, drugs, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, vaccines/blood/biologics, animal and veterinary, cosmetics, and tobacco.
The seal also includes the Latin phrase Ad Salutem Publican Tuendam, meaning “protecting the public health,” which serves as the agency’s mission statement.[2]
Typography and Design
The FDA’s Visual Identity Program outlines proper use of the FDA logo, colors, and typefaces.[4] According to the archived FDA logo policy page, FDA Blue is the dominant color of the brand, followed by FDA Dark Blue and White. The official colors of the FDA logo include FDA Blue with RGB values of 0/124/186.[5]
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