I’ve been doing a lot of research involving the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the last few weeks, in connection with my upcoming column at BusinessWeek.com next Tuesday. I’ve been struck by a striking similarity between the FDA and the California Medical Board, which I’ve written about in connection with the medical malpractice claims of Roberto Glaubach regarding the death of his daughter, Veronica, following childbirth. That similarity: arrogance.

I don’t want to describe details of my upcoming BusinessWeek.com column, but suffice it to say the FDA possesses near-dictatorial powers over food and drug companies–and isn’t reticent about using those powers against law-abiding businesses that lack the resources to fight back. See if you agree. As I said, the column will appear beginning this Tuesday at www.businessweek.com, click on Small Biz along the top.