Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

Which agency has a more continuous presence in processing plants?

1. FDA

2. FSIS

3. USDA

4. CFSAN

The correct answer is: FSIS

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has a more continuous presence in processing plants because it is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of meat, poultry, and egg products. FSIS inspectors are present throughout the production process in facilities that handle these specific products, conducting regular inspections to monitor compliance with food safety regulations. This direct oversight helps to enforce hygiene practices, verify that equipment is functioning correctly, and ensure that products are being handled safely. In contrast, other agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) have different scopes and methods of oversight. The FDA primarily regulates a broader scope of food products, including most packaged foods and dietary supplements, but its presence is typically not as continuous in all processing facilities. CFSAN (Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition), which is a part of the FDA, focuses on food safety and nutrition but does not provide the same level of constant inspection as FSIS in meat and poultry plants. Thus, the consistent monitoring role that FSIS plays makes it the correct choice regarding continuous presence in processing plants.