Food Safety And Security Usda And Fda - 1530 Words

Food Safety and Security: USDA and FDA Abstract The USDA and FDA have been resources for the United States of America to turn to in regards to policies and procedures dealing with food safety and security. In this report you will find the histories of the USDA and FDA, how humans, animals and the environment are benefited by these organizations and new policies that the USDA and FDA have released recently. Historical Background †¢ Up until the mid-1800’s people s main concern when it came to food was if they had enough of it (Parcell Lamme, 2012). Food safety agencies have transformed greatly from their initial implementation; formally beginning in 1839 with Agricultural Division of the U.S. Patent Office which later in 1862†¦show more content†¦Not only had the transport of livestock increase throughout the United States, there was imports from Canada, Mexico and even Europe. In 1865 a case of imported diseased stricken livestock was brought to congress after which they quickly implemented an act that would quarantine all imported animals (All Gov, 2015). Unfortunately, the task was given to the treasury department and never enforced. Finally in 1884, after continued pleas from ranchers and veterinarians the Bureau of Animal Industry, later to be renamed as Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), was formed to inspect all imported meat for any diseases and to v erify the quality of U.S. meat (Worosz, Knight, Harris Conner, 2008). With the increase of factory processed foods also increased questions about the safety the food, especially since there were various additives and chemicals that were use in the process (Parcell Lamme, 2012). Within the USDA there was the Division of Chemistry which was responsible for conducting investigations on various food and drugs and recommending laws based on their findings. In 1883 Dr. Harvey W. Wiley becomes chief chemist of the Bureau of Chemistry (Significant Dates in U.S. Food and Drug Law History, n.d.). He is known as the Crusading Chemist and Father of the Pure Food and Drugs Act. For his work investigation work and push for regulations including preservatives, colors and chemical