Which agency is primarily responsible for overseeing food safety in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily responsible for overseeing food safety in the United States. This agency is tasked with ensuring that food is safe, sanitary, and labeled truthfully. The FDA regulates the majority of the food supply, including processed foods, dairy products, seafood, and bottled water. It establishes safety standards for food products and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

In addition to its regulatory functions, the FDA plays a vital role in public health by monitoring food recalls and outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, providing education and guidance on food safety issues to both consumers and producers. This proactive approach aims to reduce the incidence of food-related illnesses.

Other agencies, like the USDA, also play significant roles in food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and certain egg products. The CDC focuses on tracking and preventing foodborne illnesses but does not have regulatory authority over food safety. The EPA’s involvement generally pertains to the safety of chemicals used in food production rather than the direct oversight of food products. This delineation of responsibilities underscores the FDA's primary role in ensuring food safety nationwide.