FSIS

FSIS, or the Food Safety and Inspection Service, is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of the nation’s commercial meat, poultry, and processed egg products intended for human consumption. The agency conducts inspections of slaughter and processing establishments, enforces federal requirements related to product standards, labeling, and safety, and oversees recall activities when products are found to be unsafe.

FSIS operates a national program that includes testing and surveillance for pathogens and other hazards, as well as compliance monitoring, facility registrations, and enforcement actions against regulated establishments. It works within a framework that supports HACCP-based processing systems and a variety of labeling rules, including accurate ingredient statements and safe handling instructions. The agency also provides consumer information and maintains public data on inspections, recalls, and enforcement actions.

In addition to domestic oversight, FSIS conducts import inspection at U.S. ports of entry to ensure imported meat, poultry, and processed egg products meet federal safety standards. It also issues export certificates to facilitate access to overseas markets. The agency collaborates with state inspection programs under cooperative arrangements and with other federal partners to protect public health and support accurate labeling and safe consumption.

FSIS has historical roots in early federal meat and poultry inspection laws and remains a primary federal authority for food safety oversight in the United States, particularly for meat, poultry, and processed egg products.