What government agency inspects the US food?

The correct answer is the USDA, which stands for the United States Department of Agriculture. This agency is responsible for inspecting and ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and certain processed egg products. The USDA plays a crucial role in food safety through its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which conducts inspections of slaughterhouses and processing plants to enforce policies that protect public health and ensure the proper labeling of food products.

While the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is also heavily involved in food safety, its focus is primarily on the safety of food products other than meat, poultry, and eggs— it oversees the majority of the food supply, including dairy, seafood, produce, and processed foods. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is involved in public health and disease prevention, including foodborne illnesses, but does not conduct inspections. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) focuses on environmental protection and regulating pesticides, rather than direct food safety inspections.

Understanding the distinct roles of these agencies provides clarity on how food safety is managed in the United States and highlights the specific responsibilities of the USDA in inspecting and regulating certain categories of food products.