Food and the USDA

Food inspection and food safety is of immense importance and falls directly on the shoulders of the USDA. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a hand in food safety, overseeing the safety of hormones and pesticides in livestock and agriculture.

Remember the food pyramid? That is an ongoing educational project designed by the USDA to educate US consumers about dietary guidelines. They recently created a new version with updated models and portions.

The USDA NOP, or the National Organic Program, regulates the production and distribution of organic foods. It creates standards to certify organic products and implements guidelines to verify that products claiming to be organic are actually organic and not just using the classification to increase sales.

USDA Inspection

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a public health agency within the USDA. They are responsible for the mandatory inspection of all raw meat and poultry sold in the US, including all imported products. The agency oversees all meat and poultry even after they leave the federal inspection plants. USDA inspected food may also display an optional quality grading (e.g.: USDA Prime, Choice, or Select) which is voluntary and paid for by the meat and poultry producers.

USDA and Society Today

The USDA plays an important role monitoring US food production for healthy and safe consumption. They are steadfast protectors of health and the environment in the U.S. Therefore, rest assured that when you buy your food from your local market, the USDA is doing its due diligence to ensure that you are buying products that have met their standards.

References

(2010) Cyber Cemetery. Retrieved August 19, 2010

(2010) National Organic Program? Retrieved August 16, 2010

(2009) What is an NOP certification and what is it used for? Retrieved August 16, 2010

(2008) USDA National Organic Program. Retrieved August 16, 2010