Two of the agencies responsible for food safety are:
-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
-US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The FDA is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety of foods, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and non-prescription medication, vaccines, blood transfusions, medical devises, veterinary products and cosmetics.
The USDA is the US's federal executive department responsible for developing and regulating U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food. It tries to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, work to assure food safety, protect natural resources, promote rural communities and end hunger in the United States and abroad.
Inspections and Compliance:Inspection of Foods (Except Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products) and Pet Food
Cooperative Program Ensures Safe Shellfish (FDA)How industry and government work together to keep shellfish safe.See the slideshow or read the article
Food Safety Programs (FDA)Includes action plans for specific foods and the 2007 Food Protection Plan.
Egg Safety Action Plan (FDA)Includes the Egg Safety Final Rule from July 2009.
The Produce Safety Action Plan (FDA)Plans to minimize foodborne illness associated with consumption of fresh produce.
Retail Food Protection (FDA)Food safety information for 3,000 state, local and tribal agencies that regulate retail food and food service industries.
Inspections & Enforcement (FDA)Gateway to information on inspections, compliance manuals, enforcement actions, and criminal investigations.
Pet Food (FDA)The FDA requires that pet foods, like human foods, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled.
Guidance on Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products
Information for Businesses & Partners (USDA)Information to help establishments protect the health of the American public and comply with federally regulations.
askFSIS an Inspection-Related Question (USDA)Enables you to search the FSIS knowledgebase for answers and submit questions (requires a customer account).
Federal Grant of Inspection Guide (USDA)Guidelines to assist establishments interested in applying for a Federal Grant of Inspection.
Labeling Guidance (USDA)Guidance to protect consumers from misbranded meat, poultry, and egg products.
HACCP Resources and Information (USDA)Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) helps ensure the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Small Plant News (USDA)Newsletter for small and very small federal- and state-inspected establishment owners and operators.
Information for Small and Very Small Plants (USDA)Information for small and very small federal- and state-inspected establishment owners and operators.
Food Defense Guidance Materials (USDA)Guidance materials to help prevent an intentional attack on meat, poultry, and egg products,
Food Safety Inspection Podcasts (USDA)Targeted toward the owners and operators of meat, poultry and processed egg products establishments.
Online References (USDA)Reference materials for state, local and international studies, pathogen reduction, and HACCP.
Workforce Training (USDA)Details on online knowledge resources, computer-based courses and materials, and classroom training.
(Foodsafety.gov)
Perishable Items and Expiration Dates:
With the exception of infant formula and baby foods which must be withdrawn by their expiration date, Federal law does not require expiration dates. For all other foods, except dairy products in some states, freshness dating is strictly voluntary on the part of manufacturers. In response to consumer demand, perishable foods are typically labeled with a "Sell by" date. It is up to the consumer to decide how long after the Sell by date a package is usable. Other common dating statements are "Best if used by," "Use-by date," "Expiration date", "Guaranteed fresh [date]", and "Pack date."
