Which federal agency is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of food products in the United States?

The primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of food products in the United States lies with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA oversees the regulation of food safety standards for a wide range of products, including processed foods, dietary supplements, and bottled water. Its mission includes ensuring that food is safe, sanitary, and labeled according to federal regulations. This involves evaluating food safety practices, monitoring foodborne illnesses, and enforcing compliance with food safety laws.

While other agencies like the USDA also play significant roles in food safety, particularly in the regulation of meat, poultry, and certain egg products, the FDA covers a broader spectrum of food items and has more comprehensive authority over the non-meat aspects of food safety. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulating pesticides, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to public health and disease prevention, including foodborne illness tracking and surveillance, but it does not directly enforce food safety regulations. Thus, the FDA is the agency primarily tasked with ensuring the safety of food products as a whole.