Government Regulations

Who is responsible for our food? Primary responsibility for enforcing federal regulations is USDA and FDA. USDA is responsible for overseeing approximately 20% of the food supply. FDA is responsible for 80%. Other agencies also oversee various aspects of food safety. C-6.02 -- Regulations

USDA Responsible for regulating: Red meat, poultry, and certain egg products Key legislation that USDA enforces: Federal Meat Inspection Act Poultry Products Inspection Act Egg Products Inspection Act Voluntary Inspection Program C 6.02 -- Regulations

Food and Drug Administration Responsible for regulating: All other foods not regulated by USDA. Food is – food or drink for man or animal, chewing gum, and any food component. Key legislation: Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act Food Code Low Acid Foods Registration and Process Filing C 6.02 -- Regulations

Environmental Protection Agency Set pesticide residue tolerances or legal limits on how much residue that can be on particular foods. FDA and USDA enforce those tolerances on their portions of the food supply. Tolerance levels set for over 9,000 pesticides. C 6.02 -- Regulations

Department of Commerce Oversee management of fisheries in the United States. Responsible for seafood quality and grading. Operate a voluntary inspection program for fish in conjunction with FDA. C 6.02 -- Regulations

Department of Treasury Two divisions address food safety: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms U.S. Customs C 6.02 -- Regulations

Federal Trade Commission (FTC ) Works with FDA and USA over claims made by food manufacturers. FTC oversees food advertising FDA oversees food labeling FTC requires that any objective claim made in advertising must be substantiated. C 6.02 -- Regulations