Which federal agency regulates the use of irradiation for food safety?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the use of irradiation for food safety. This agency assesses and approves the safety and effectiveness of food irradiation as a method to control foodborne pathogens, extend shelf-life, and maintain food quality. The FDA establishes guidelines and safety standards for irradiated foods, ensuring that they are safe for public consumption.

While other agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency have roles related to food, their focus areas are different. The Department of Agriculture primarily oversees agricultural practices and the safety of meat, poultry, and certain egg products, and the Environmental Protection Agency ensures that environmental standards are upheld, which includes assessments related to food safety but not specifically the regulation of food irradiation. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) handles the safety of meat, poultry, and processed egg products but does not directly regulate irradiation as it pertains to all foods. Thus, the FDA is the primary agency tasked with regulating food irradiation.