USDA Food Inspector

It’s Public Service Recognition Week

"Every one of our 9,000 team members plays an important part in protecting the public, no matter their location, work environment, or duties. I'm proud of the dedication and commitment our team shows, rising to the challenge each and every day."

PAUL KIECKER
ADMINISTRATOR, FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
Meet the People who Ensure Your Food is Safe
Safety through inspection icon

Safety Through Inspection

KEEPING FOOD SAFE WITH SCIENCE-BASED ACTION
FSIS protects the public's health by ensuring that meat, poultry and egg products are safe, wholesome and properly labeled.
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Grants & Financial Options

USDA is committed to supporting meat, poultry and egg establishments of all sizes. There are several opportunities available for financial and technical assistance.
Woman in sausage production facility

Small & Very Small Plant Guidance

Looking for help? FSIS compliance and inspection resources will help address common questions and challenges for small operators.
Poultry production line with personnel working

Reducing Salmonella in Poultry

Through Science-Based Action
USDA is mobilizing a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses related to poultry products.
Learn About This Collaborative Effort

Evidence-Based Policies in Action

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Science

Research, Methods & Data
Learn more
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Policy

Rulemaking & Regulatory Guides
Learn more
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Food Safety

Handling & Preparation Tips
Read more

Food Safety Facts

6.8 Thousand
establishments that FSIS monitors
7.6 Million
food safety and food defense procedures
292 Thousand
Humane Handling & Good Commercial Practices Enforcement Activities

Did you know that the 1905 book The Jungle was a driver of the Federal Meat Inspection Act that governs FSIS’ activities today?

Upton Sinclair's novel took aim at the poor working conditions in a Chicago meatpacking house. The ensuing public furor moved Congress to pass the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), which President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law in 1906 and requires federal inspectors in meat-packing houses.

68
total recalls in 2022
23
total public health alerts in 2022

Top 2022 Recall Reasons

46%
PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
26%
MISBRANDING
22%
UNREPORTED ALLERGENS
Corona Virus as viewed under a microscope - courtesy CDC

USDA Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information

Get Answers and Find Resources
President Biden's National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness calls on all parts of the federal government to contribute resources, facilities, personnel, and expertise to contain the pandemic. USDA is responding to that call.
Visit USDA's COVID-19 Info Center

Food Safety Tips

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Cleanliness Prevents Illness

Mishandling food can lead to foodborne illness. Wash hands and surfaces often.
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Be Smart. Keep Foods Apart.

When handling raw meat, poultry and seafood, keep separate to prevent cross-contamination.
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Take Your Food's Temperature

Cook raw meat and poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature.
Temperature gauge with snow flakes.

Keep Foods Chill, and Stay Safe

Cold temperatures keep harmful bacteria from growing, so refrigerate promptly.

Have a Question or Concern About a Food Product?

Person washing hands in a sink.

Call Our Hotline

For help with meat, poultry and processed egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
Raw chicken on plate with ingredients laying near.

Report a Problem with Food Online

If you having a problem with a food product, let FSIS know or find the appropriate public health organization.
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Free & Open Access to Information

In keeping with our society's interest in an open government, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any person access to almost all Federal agency records unless they are protected by one of nine exemptions.
Learn About FOIA
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Collaboration & Input

FSIS actively promotes and encourages collaboration to improve food safety outcomes and protect public health. Sharing information, promoting discussion and seeking input on science-based, data-driven policy decisions helps stakeholders become part of the food safety solution.
Learn About Our Rulemaking

Careers

Join the Food Safety and Inspection Service
Consider a job with the Food Safety and Inspection Service. As an employee at one of the largest public health regulatory agencies in the U.S. Government, you can have the satisfaction of doing work that protects the public. Explore the job profiles below to learn more about what we do.
Food Inspector

Food Inspector

Inspectors provide the first line of defense against adulterated meat and poultry products.
Consumer Safety Inspector

Consumer Safety Inspector

CSIs ensure a plant is operating within its written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.
Veterinary Medical Office

Public Health Veterinarian

PHVs help oversee the effectiveness of farm-to-table food safety systems.
Scientific Positions

Scientific Positions

FSIS scientists protect the public by providing microbiological, pathological, chemical and other scientific analyses of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Administrative

Administrative

FSIS Administrative Positions include roles ranging from human resources to purchasing.
Professional Positions

Professional Positions

FSIS Professional Positions include roles ranging from data analysts to financial managers.
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