The food system in the US is regulated at the federal and state level. Numerous organizations in this comprehensive system stay accountable for control over the food quality and supply. The Food and Drug Administration is one of the largest federal regulators. It oversees the retail and industries which serve food. The quality and safety of food which is supplied to markets, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, nursing homes, and other institutions is checked according to the FDA Food Code. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its Food Safety and Inspection Service are responsible for the quality of meat, poultry, and egg products supplied to the American market.
Some states have their own meat inspection programs which are used for products sold within these states. These programs supplement measures taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. States which produce fruits and vegetables for the whole country also test their food on pesticides. Food establishments are overseen by state or local health departments.
Safety of food industry, though strictly controlled, is frequently criticized. The food industry is told to withhold information from the investigators. Food safety agencies claim being constantly forced to modify their regulations by the suppliers. Besides, federal inspectors are frequently short of money from the government which makes it difficult to resist food manufacturers.
World Health Organization alongside with Food and Agriculture Organization also provide guidelines to the food safety. Their Codex Alimentarius prescribes basic standards for the control of food safety and quality which make up the basis of food legislation all over the world.