FSIS stands for Food Safety and Inspection Service. It is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products. Established in 1906, FSIS has the mission to protect the public's health by verifying that these products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.
The primary role of FSIS is to enforce and regulate the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act. This involves inspection, testing, and monitoring of slaughterhouses, processing plants, and other establishments involved in the production of meat and poultry products. FSIS also conducts investigations, research, and education programs to enhance food safety practices within the industry.
The agency sets and enforces rigorous standards for sanitation, food handling, and labeling. FSIS inspectors are present at all stages of production, from live animal handling to packaging and labeling. They conduct inspections to ensure compliance with regulations, sample products for laboratory testing, and verify that proper procedures are followed to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
FSIS works closely with other governmental agencies, industry stakeholders, scientific experts, and consumer groups to continually improve food safety practices. Their activities have a significant impact on public health, as they strive to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect consumers from potential hazards associated with meat, poultry, and egg products.
In summary, FSIS is the government agency responsible for regulating and inspecting meat, poultry, and egg products in the United States, ensuring their safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling to protect public health.
