360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

Which agency is responsible for inspecting meat in the U.S.?

1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

2. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

3. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The correct answer is: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the agency specifically tasked with ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and processed egg products in the United States. This responsibility includes conducting inspections of meat processing facilities to uphold food safety standards, ensuring that products are safe for consumption and properly labeled. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) plays a critical role in this process. It carries out inspections at various stages of meat production, from the slaughter of animals to the final packaging of meat products. This ensures that any meat entering the market adheres to federal safety regulations. Understanding the role of the USDA is crucial for anyone involved in food handling, as it emphasizes the importance of compliance with federal safety standards to protect public health.