Which federal department funds agencies such as the CDC and engages in surveillance and investigation of illnesses associated with food consumption?

• A. Food and Drug Administration
• B. Environmental Protection Agency
• C. Department of Health and Human Services
• D. United States Department of Agriculture

Answer: (C)

Public health surveillance and the funding and coordination of national health efforts are led by a federal department that oversees agencies like the CDC. This department provides the funding and policy direction that allow the CDC to monitor illness patterns, conduct outbreak investigations, and respond to cases, including those linked to food consumption. The CDC is the agency that does the surveillance and investigations, while other agencies focus on regulation of foods (FDA), environmental protection (EPA), or agricultural issues (USDA). Therefore, the department that centrally funds and coordinates these public health activities is the Department of Health and Human Services.