Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which agency oversees food safety and inspection in the United States?

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

3. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

4. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The correct answer is: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the agency responsible for overseeing food safety and inspection specifically for meat, poultry, and egg products. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is tasked with ensuring that these food products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. This agency conducts inspections and enforces regulations to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that the food supply is safe for consumers. While the FDA also plays a significant role in food safety, its jurisdiction primarily covers the majority of other food products, dietary supplements, and food additives. The CDC focuses on public health and tracking foodborne illness outbreaks rather than direct food safety inspection. The EPA is involved in regulating pesticides and pollutants that may affect food safety but does not engage directly in food inspection. Therefore, the USDA is the correct answer as it has direct authority over the inspection of specific food categories critical to public health and safety.