What is the role of the FDA in food safety?

The role of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in food safety primarily involves setting standards for food safety regulations and providing essential guidance to ensure that food products are safe for consumption. This includes establishing regulations that food manufacturers and processors must follow to prevent foodborne illnesses and contamination. The FDA also works on developing policies and guidelines that help the food industry maintain proper safety practices, which includes everything from ensuring accurate labeling to overseeing the safe use of food additives.

The agency does not directly license food establishments, conduct all food safety inspections (these are often done by state and local health departments), or promote marketing strategies for food products. Instead, the FDA's focus remains on safeguarding public health through comprehensive food safety practices and educating food businesses on compliance with regulatory standards.