Food Safety Regulation in the US

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the safety of the food supply in the United States?

A team effort conducted by cooperating federal, state, and local agencies that regulate and monitor the production and distribution of food.

Which federal agencies are responsible for regulating the country's food industry?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

What is the main purpose of HACCP programs in food manufacturing practices?

To prevent food-borne illness by predicting which hazards are most likely to occur in a food production facility.

What action can FDA officials take if a food manufacturer does not comply with food safety laws?

Request that a food manufacturer recall an unsafe item so that it is removed from store shelves. Signup and view all the answers

What is another important function of the FDA besides regulating the food industry?

Educating the general public about safe food-handling practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of displaying restaurant sanitation ratings in many communities?

To inform customers about the restaurant's food safety standards. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to restaurants that do not receive high enough sanitation ratings?

Local health departments can close them until food safety hazards have been corrected. Signup and view all the answers

What other federal agencies, besides the FDA and USDA, are involved in protecting the food supply?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Signup and view all the answers

Which federal agency is responsible for ensuring the safety of meat and poultry products in the United States?

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Signup and view all the answers

What action can FSIS officials take if a food hazard is identified?

They can ask meat and poultry processors to recall their unsafe products. Signup and view all the answers

Which federal agency is responsible for overseeing the quality of drinking water in the United States?

The EPA Signup and view all the answers

Why are water-borne disease-causing microbes not a major public health threat in the United States?

Because most of the population has access to water that has been treated to make it safe to drink (potable) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of local health departments in ensuring food safety?

They are responsible for inspecting restaurants, grocery stores, dairy farms, and local food processing companies. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it not always possible to rely on our senses to judge the wholesomeness of a food?

Because a food can taste, smell, and appear safe to eat, but it may contain pathogens and/or their toxic by-products. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you suspect that something you consumed made you or a family member very sick?

Contact your physician for treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of proper food handling practices in preventing food-borne illness?

It reduces the risk of food-borne illness. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protecting Our Food

The United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world, primarily due to the teamwork of federal, state, and local agencies that regulate and monitor food production and distribution.

Key Federal Agencies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating nearly all domestic and imported food sold in interstate commerce and enforcing federal food safety laws.
The FDA establishes standards for safe food manufacturing practices, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs.
HACCP is a science-based approach to preventing food-borne illness by predicting and preventing hazards in food production facilities.
The FDA educates the public about safe food-handling practices and can take enforcement actions, such as requesting recalls of unsafe products.

Role of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

FSIS enforces food safety laws for domestic and imported meat and poultry products.
FSIS staff inspect animals for diseases before and after slaughter and ensure that meat and poultry processing plants meet federal standards.
FSIS collects and analyzes food samples to check for microbial and other unwanted substances and can request recalls of unsafe products.
FSIS educates people about proper food-handling practices.

Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA oversees the quality of drinking water and establishes safe drinking water standards.
EPA staff assist state officials in monitoring water quality and regulate toxic substances and wastes to prevent their entry into foods and the environment.

State and Local Agencies

State and local officials work with federal agencies to implement national food safety standards for foods produced and sold within their state's borders.
Local health departments are responsible for inspecting restaurants, grocery stores, dairy farms, and local food processing companies.
Local health departments can close restaurants that do not meet sanitation standards and prevent them from reopening until hazards are corrected.

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Description

Learn about the agencies responsible for regulating and monitoring food production and distribution in the United States, ensuring a safe food supply.