Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating food safety in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily responsible for regulating food safety in the United States. This agency oversees the safety of a wide range of food products, including both processed and raw foods. The FDA establishes guidelines and regulations that food manufacturers must follow to ensure that the products they sell are safe for consumers. This includes setting standards for food labeling, ensuring safe food production practices, and conducting inspections to enforce compliance with food safety laws.

In addition, the FDA also plays a critical role in researching foodborne illness outbreaks, providing education on food safety practices, and approving food additives and ingredients. Their authority covers a broad area that extends beyond just food safety, but when it comes to regulating the safety of the food supply, they are the leading agency in the United States.

Other agencies, like the Department of Agriculture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have important roles that contribute to overall food safety but primarily focus on specific aspects. For instance, the Department of Agriculture primarily handles meat, poultry, and egg safety, while the CDC monitors and investigates foodborne illness outbreaks. The EPA is involved in regulating pesticides used on food crops and ensuring environmental safety but does not directly regulate food safety in the