SAFEGUARDING THE FOOD SUPPLY HOW DO WE PROTECT THE FOOD SUPPLY FOR AN ENTIRE NATION?

From the Farm to the Table FDA – Food and Drug Adminstration is charged with the overall safety of our food supply FDA – Food and Drug Adminstration is charged with the overall safety of our food supply Steps in food production: Steps in food production: –Farm –Transport to processing plant –Processed and packaged at the factory –Transport to Supplier –Purchase –Transport home –Your table

FDA U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page

Responsibilities of the FDA Decides which additives (ingredients that are added) may be used and in what amount. Does tests Decides which additives (ingredients that are added) may be used and in what amount. Does tests Determines what must be on the label Determines what must be on the label –Some additives have been determined as generally safe, such as sugar, and are the GRAS list – generally regarded as safe

FDA (cont.) Since 2004, companies that process or handle food register with FDA so that we can track food that is contaminated – such as when there is a food recall Since 2004, companies that process or handle food register with FDA so that we can track food that is contaminated – such as when there is a food recall

Environmental Protection Agency EPA – Environmental Protection Agency EPA – Environmental Protection Agency –Protects nations water supply –Decides what, and how much of pesticides can be used –US Environmental Protection Agency US Environmental Protection AgencyUS Environmental Protection Agency

UNITED STATES DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE USDA USDA Inspects meat, poultry and eggs Inspects meat, poultry and eggs U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture

Center for Disease Control CDC CDC Monitors food and water borne diseases Monitors food and water borne diseases Located in Atlanta Located in Atlanta Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Occupational and Safety Health Administration OSHA OSHA In charge of workers safety or safe workplace conditions. In charge of workers safety or safe workplace conditions.

BIOTERRORISM The intentional use of biological agents such as bacteria or viruses to contaminate the food supply The intentional use of biological agents such as bacteria or viruses to contaminate the food supply Agencies and safety practices are in place to protect us from bioterrorism Agencies and safety practices are in place to protect us from bioterrorism

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITY Be aware of anything that looks like food tampering Be aware of anything that looks like food tampering Report suspected cases of food borne illness to the health department Report suspected cases of food borne illness to the health department