What is the role of environmental regulations in food safety?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates wastewater discharges to help protect water quality. These requirements are intended to reduce pollutants such as organic waste, suspended solids, and cleaning chemicals that could affect water quality and harm the environment.

In addition to federal EPA regulations, states and local municipalities often have their own wastewater rules and permitting requirements. Food processing facilities may need to comply with federal, state, and local discharge limits, treatment requirements, monitoring programs, and reporting obligations before wastewater can be released to a sewer system or the environment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) require that covered facilities be designed and operated so that sewage and liquid waste do not create unsanitary conditions or contaminate food or food-contact surfaces.

During FDA and USDA/FSIS inspections and audits, reviews are tied to sanitation, drainage, and waste handling controls.