What is the role of the FDA in food safety?

The role of the FDA in food safety is centered on regulating food products to ensure they are safe for consumers. This includes setting and enforcing standards for food quality, safety, and labeling. The FDA monitors and inspects food production facilities to ensure compliance with regulations, investigates foodborne illness outbreaks, and can take action to remove unsafe food products from the market. This regulatory oversight is critical in protecting public health by ensuring that the food supply is safe and free from harmful contaminants.

While the FDA does conduct research on foodborne illnesses, oversee food advertising practices, and promote safe cooking methods, these activities support the overarching mission of regulating food safety. However, the primary and most significant role of the FDA in this context is its responsibility to ensure that food products are safe for public consumption.