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

• A. CDC
• B. FDA
• C. EPA
• D. FSIS

Answer: (D)

The agency responsible for safety of meat, poultry, and egg products is the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). FSIS is part of the USDA and focuses on inspecting slaughter and processing facilities, enforcing safety standards, sanitation, and proper handling of these products. It also oversees processing of egg products, ensuring hazards like bacterial contamination are controlled through systems like HACCP and regular product testing, and it can order recalls if problems are found. This specialized role exists because meat and poultry have unique processing steps and high-risk potential for pathogens, differentiating them from other foods.

The other agencies don’t hold primary authority over these products: the CDC tracks disease outbreaks and public health threats; the FDA oversees most other foods and cosmetics; the EPA handles environmental and pesticide regulations.