What is the branch within the USDA responsible for inspecting meat, poultry, and egg products?

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the branch within the USDA that is specifically responsible for inspecting meat, poultry, and egg products. FSIS's primary mission is to ensure that these products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. This includes overseeing the entire process from slaughter to packaging and distribution, thereby safeguarding public health.

The agency conducts regular inspections of processing plants and facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards. In addition to monitoring production practices, FSIS also implements food safety regulations and conducts testing for contaminants, which reinforces its role as a crucial entity in food safety.

Other branches, such as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, focus on different aspects of agriculture including disease control, pest management, and marketing aspects, rather than direct inspection of food safety for these specific products. The National Organic Program focuses on the certification and regulation of organic agricultural products, distancing itself from the direct inspection duties that FSIS undertakes for meat, poultry, and eggs.