[United States Government Manual]
[May 31, 1996]
[Page 124]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 124]]


Food Safety

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was established by the 
Secretary of Agriculture on June 17, 1981, pursuant to authority 
contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 
U.S.C. app.). At that time, the Service was delegated authority for 
regulating the meat and poultry industry to ensure that meat and 
poultry, and meat and poultry products moving in interstate and foreign 
commerce were safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Under the 
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1010-1, dated October 23, 1994, the Service's 
authority was extended to include the inspection of egg products.
Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection  Federal meat and poultry 
inspection is mandatory for the following animals and birds used for 
human food: cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs, horses (and 
other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas. The work 
includes inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter, and inspection 
of processed products during various stages of production. Under the Egg 
Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the Service conducts 
mandatory, continuous inspection of the production of liquid, dried, and 
frozen egg products, to ensure that egg products are safe, wholesome, 
unadulterated, and accurately labeled. The Service tests samples of egg 
products, and meat and poultry products for microbial and chemical 
contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes.
    Facilities and equipment are approved by FSIS before inspection is 
granted, and each product label must be approved by the agency before 
products can be sold. The agency monitors meat and poultry products in 
storage, distribution, and retail channels; and takes necessary 
compliance actions to protect the public, including detention of 
products, voluntary product recalls, court-ordered seizures of products, 
administrative withdrawal of inspection, and referral for criminal 
prosecution. The Service also conducts State programs for the inspection 
of meat and poultry products sold in intrastate commerce.
    The Service monitors livestock upon arrival at federally inspected 
facilities to ensure compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C. 
1901-1906); conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other 
domestic food animals, and certain egg products not covered by the 
inspection law (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627); and ensures that inedible egg 
products and inedible products from meat or poultry, such as offal 
rendered for animal feed, are properly identified and isolated from 
edible products (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056 and 7 U.S.C. 1624, respectively).
    The Service maintains a toll-free Meat and Poultry Hotline (800-535-
4555; in the Washington metropolitan area, 202-720-3333) to answer 
questions about labeling and safe handling of meat and poultry, meat and 
poultry products, and egg products. The hotline is also accessible (on 
the same extension) by TDD.

For further information, contact the Director of Information and 
Legislative Affairs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7943.