Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

Which agency primarily ensures food safety standards in meat and poultry processing?

1. FDA

2. USDA

3. FSIS

4. CFSAN

The correct answer is: FSIS

The agency that primarily ensures food safety standards in meat and poultry processing is the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This agency operates under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is specifically responsible for regulating and inspecting meat, poultry, and egg products to ensure they are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. FSIS conducts inspections at various stages of meat and poultry production, including slaughterhouses and processing plants, to enforce compliance with federal standards. They are authorized to inspect and monitor production processes, ensuring that products are free from contaminants and reflect good hygiene practices throughout the processing chain. While the USDA oversees various agricultural products and encompasses multiple divisions, including FSIS, it is FSIS that focuses exclusively on meat and poultry. Other agencies, such as the FDA, primarily deal with different food sectors, products, and safety regulations, but in the context of meat and poultry, FSIS is the key agency.