Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

Which product was the first to fall under federal inspection?

1. Eggs

2. Poultry

3. Meat

4. Juice

The correct answer is: Meat

The correct answer is that meat was the first product to fall under federal inspection. This followed the enactment of the Federal Meat Inspection Act in 1906, which was established in response to public concerns over unsanitary conditions and practices in the meatpacking industry. The act mandated federal inspection of meat products and set standards for sanitation, ensuring that the meat entering commerce was safe for consumption. This strong regulatory framework laid the foundation for further advancements in food safety practices within the United States, influencing later laws and inspections for other food products like poultry, eggs, and juice. While these products also have their own regulatory frameworks set up later on, they were not the initial focus of federal inspection. Understanding the historical context of meat inspection is essential, as it illustrates the evolving landscape of food safety governance designed to protect public health.