What role does the FSIS play in the approval of new food processing technologies?

The role of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the approval of new food processing technologies is primarily to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the technology before it can be implemented in food production. This is essential because ensuring the safety of food products is a top priority for the FSIS, and any new technology must meet strict safety standards to protect public health.

When a new processing technology is proposed, the FSIS conducts a thorough review to determine whether it adequately addresses food safety concerns, including potential risks to consumers. The evaluation process allows the FSIS to assess whether the technology can effectively reduce or eliminate hazards that may affect food safety. By doing this, the FSIS enables food processors to adopt new technologies with confidence, knowing that they have been vetted for safety.

The other choices do not accurately capture the FSIS's role in this context. Marketing, funding, and setting regulations do not encompass the critical aspect of directly evaluating safety and efficacy, which is central to the agency’s mission of ensuring food safety and hygiene in the processing and distribution of meat, poultry, and egg products.