Which organization regulates and inspects meat, poultry, and eggs?

The correct answer is the USDA, which stands for the United States Department of Agriculture. This agency is specifically responsible for the regulation and inspection of meat, poultry, and eggs to ensure that these food products meet safety and quality standards. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducts inspections of facilities, enforces safety regulations, and establishes guidelines for the production and processing of these food items.

Understanding the role of the USDA is crucial for food safety, as they help prevent foodborne illnesses associated with improperly handled or contaminated meat and poultry products. This regulatory framework ensures that consumers receive safe products and promotes public health.

In contrast, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) generally oversees the safety of all other food products, including those that are not derived from livestock. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) focuses on public health and disease prevention rather than direct regulation of food safety, and the PHS (Public Health Service) mainly conducts research and promotes public health rather than directly regulating food products.