If you're a first-time buyer, this affects you directly. You might be tempted to buy whatever looks good or whatever a friend recommends. But if a product hasn't gone through FDA authorization, it could be a safety risk, and it's also not legally sold in the US.

Retailers are affected too, but you're here because you want to make smart choices for yourself. Knowing how to verify authorization helps you avoid buying something that could be recalled or that simply isn't compliant.