The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is more likely to inspect food in certain situations, particularly those involving meat, poultry, and processed egg products. Here are some key situations where the USDA would take precedence over the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in food inspection:
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Meat and Poultry Products: The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has the authority to inspect all meat and poultry products. This includes products from animals like beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. Any processing of these products falls under USDA jurisdiction.
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Egg Products: Similar to meat and poultry, processed egg products are inspected by the USDA. This includes any form of eggs that have been processed (e.g., liquid eggs, dried eggs).
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Federal-State Inspection Programs: In some states or circumstances, the USDA may have cooperative agreements with state inspection programs, closely monitoring local meat and poultry establishments.
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Product Labeling and Standards: The USDA is responsible for ensuring that labeling and standards related to meat, poultry, and egg products adhere to regulations. This includes ensuring that claims made on packaging are truthful and not misleading.
In contrast, the FDA oversees a broader range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, seafood, and packaged foods that do not fall into the categories regulated by the USDA. Overall, for any food product that is primarily animal-based, the USDA is the regulatory body more likely to conduct inspections.
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