What does the FDA regulate in relation to the US food supply?

The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is responsible for regulating various aspects of the food supply in the United States, including food manufacturing and handling. This involves establishing and enforcing standards that ensure the safety and quality of food products from their production to their sale. The agency plays a critical role in overseeing the processes and practices in food facilities to minimize risks associated with contamination, mislabeling, and unsafe food handling procedures, which is vital for protecting public health.

While the other areas mentioned are significant, they fall under a mix of responsibilities that might involve other agencies or specific regulations. For example, while the FDA does oversee some chemical additives in food (specifically those added directly to enhance the product), the broader regulation of food manufacturing and handling encompasses a wider range of practices essential for ensuring food safety. The regulation of the slaughter and processing of livestock is primarily managed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), while the management of preservatives in infant food specifically also plays into broader food safety regulations that stem from the overall manufacturing and handling standards set by the FDA.