What is the main function of the USDA in food safety?

The main function of the USDA in food safety is to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and labeled correctly. This responsibility is essential because these products are particularly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, and the USDA has established rigorous standards and inspection procedures to protect public health. By overseeing the evaluation and certification of these food products, the USDA helps to maintain safety standards, enforce labeling laws, and prevent contamination, thereby ensuring that consumers receive high-quality food.

While the USDA does engage in various related areas such as research on food preservation techniques, promoting healthy diets, and regulating organic production standards, its primary focus in the context of food safety is to oversee the safety and labeling of the meat, poultry, and egg industries. This specific focus highlights the role of the USDA as a protector of food quality and public health within the food supply chain.