Which responsibility is included in the Food and Drug Administration's role?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a pivotal role in food safety regulation, and one of its key responsibilities is issuing a Food Code. This document serves as a model for local and state health agencies to regulate foodservice and ensure that safety standards are met. The Food Code outlines best practices for food handling, preparation, storage, and employee hygiene, thereby facilitating a baseline of food safety protocols that can be adopted nationwide.

By providing this guidance, the FDA assists in harmonizing food safety regulations across jurisdictions, helping to protect public health. Local agencies can tailor the guidelines within the Food Code to their specific needs while maintaining compliance with federal standards.

In contrast, the inspection of meat, poultry, and eggs falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Issuing licenses and sanitation scores is typically managed at the state or local level, as is the approval of foodservice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, which are specific to individual establishments. Thus, while all these tasks are important to overall food safety, the issuance of the Food Code is uniquely aligned with the FDA's responsibility.