Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing food safety regulations in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing food safety regulations in the United States. Its role encompasses ensuring that food products are safe, sanitary, and labeled correctly. The FDA regulates a wide range of food items, including packaged foods, dietary supplements, and seafood, overseeing their production and distribution to protect public health.

The FDA establishes standards for food safety and works to prevent foodborne illnesses through inspections, monitoring of food facilities, and collaboration with food producers. This agency also plays a critical role in codifying food labeling requirements, which helps consumers make informed choices regarding the products they purchase.

Other agencies have important roles in the broader context of food safety, but they focus on specific areas or types of products. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily monitors and investigates foodborne illnesses and outbreaks rather than enforcing regulations. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) focuses on the safety of meat, poultry, and certain egg products but not all food items. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the safety of pesticides and their impact on food safety, but it does not enforce regulations related to food production directly.