What is the role of the FDA in food safety?

The role of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, in food safety primarily involves providing guidelines and regulating food safety standards. This includes establishing regulations that help ensure the safety, quality, and proper labeling of food products in the United States. The FDA sets forth guidelines that food manufacturers and establishments must follow to handle food safely, which is foundational for preventing foodborne illnesses.

While the FDA does have a broad influence on various aspects of food safety, their primary function is not to inspect food products before sale, which is usually the responsibility of state and local regulatory agencies. Similarly, while they may collaborate in educating the public about food safety, that isn't their main directive – rather, it's about creating and enforcing standards that all food products must meet. Enforcement of food safety laws at restaurants typically falls under local health departments, which carry out inspections and compliance checks based on the standards set by the FDA. Thus, the FDA's core responsibilities lie in the formulation of guidelines and regulatory frameworks to safeguard public health regarding food consumption.