The current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) are regulations that describe the methods, equipment, facilities, and controls required for producing:
1. Human pharmaceutical products and veterinary products.
2. Biologically derived products.
3. Medical devices.
4. Processed food.

cGMP define a quality system that manufacturers use as they build quality into their products. cGMP is used by pharmaceutical, medical device, and food manufacturers as they produce and test products that people use. For example, approved drug products developed and produced according to cGMP are safe, properly identified, of the correct strength or potency, pure, and of high quality. Drug cGMP also apply to the veterinary drugs.

Originally, cGMP were based upon the best practices of the industry. As technology and practices improved, the cGMP evolved as well. The cGMP was formally introduced in 1963 and significantly rewritten in the 1970’s.