About FSIS

FSIS protects public health by preventing illness from meat, poultry, and egg products.

We do this by ensuring these products are safe, wholesome and properly labeled.

FSIS is part of a national science-based system to ensure food safety and food defense. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act; as well as humane animal handling through the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.

Science Leading the Way in Food Safety for More Than 150 Years

Several events in the latter half of the 1800s set the stage for developing the earliest standards for food processing.

The Journey to Safe Food

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1862

President Abraham Lincoln signs into law an act of Congress establishing the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1868

The refrigerated rail car is developed allowing the meat packing industry to operate year-round.

1860s

Import of livestock to the US increases and drives the US livestock and meat processing industries to lobby for meat inspection.

1883

Harvey W. Wiley, M.D. becomes the nation's chief chemist (at what is now USDA) and begins his crusade for passing the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

Addressing Challenges with Strategic Planning

The agency’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan will guide our priorities in the coming years. The below goals set forth in our plan align with USDA’s annual plans and provide a framework for understanding how FSIS fulfills our mission and addresses 21st century public health challenges.

Defining Our Future

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Prevent Foodborne Illness

Protect public health by preventing contamination in regulated products.

Transform Inspection Strategies, Policies, and Scientific Approaches to Improve Public Health

Adopt innovative approaches to improve safety and humane handling based on science & data.

Achieve Operational Excellence

Maintain a well-trained, engaged workforce and improve processes and services.

FSIS Offices and Program Areas

Committed to one purpose, each FSIS office plays a key role in protecting America's food supply.

See All Offices

Core Values

Each FSIS staff member dedicates themselves to ensuring public safety. They exhibit the core values — accountable, collaborative, solution-oriented, empowered — that contribute to our strength as an agency and support each other in the work we do for the nation.

Learn About Our Core Values