What is the purpose of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)?

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) plays a crucial role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and eggs. This agency, part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is responsible for inspecting these food products before they reach consumers. FSIS establishes regulations and standards that food producers must meet to ensure that the products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled.

By performing inspections and monitoring compliance, FSIS helps prevent foodborne illnesses, which can arise from contaminated or improperly processed foods. This agency also conducts outreach and education to further inform producers and consumers about food safety practices. The focus on meat, poultry, and eggs is particularly critical because these products are highly susceptible to pathogens that can cause serious health risks if not handled or cooked properly.

In comparison, the other options deal with different aspects of agriculture. Agricultural subsidies, organic farming promotion, and sustainable agriculture support are important, but they do not fall under the specific mission of FSIS, which is centered around ensuring the safety and integrity of meat, poultry, and egg products for consumers.