Food safety regulations are designed to protect consumers by ensuring that food is safe, accurately labeled, and free from hazards that could make people sick. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) set requirements that food producers, processors, and distributors must follow in order to:
- Prevent foodborne illnesses;
- Ensure food is produced, processed, and stored safely;
- Prevent mislabeling of food products; and
- Maintain consistent food quality.
The FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspect facilities under their jurisdiction, investigate complaints, issue recalls when necessary, and enforce corrective actions to protect public health.
