I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give an overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (“FSIS”) reports to the Under Secretary of Food Safety within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). FSIS aims to protect public health and well-being by protecting the public from foodborne illness and ensuring the nation’s meat, poultry and egg products are safe for human consumption. Its authorizing statutes include the Federal Meat Inspection Act (“FMIA”), Poultry Products Inspection Act (“PPIA”), Egg Products Inspection Act (“EPIA”), and Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act of 1978. FSIS inspects and monitors all meat, poultry and egg products sold in interstate and foreign commerce. It provides requirements for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (“HACCP”) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (“SSOPs”). FSIS also conducts food recalls when a food safety issue arises.