Food Safety Certification Practice Test

Which agency has the most influence on food handling practices in retail food establishments?

1. Environmental Protection Agency

2. Department of Agriculture

3. Food and Drug Administration

4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The correct answer is: Department of Agriculture

The agency that has the most influence on food handling practices in retail food establishments is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines and regulations that govern food safety practices at the federal level. One of its most significant contributions is the Food Code, which is periodically updated to ensure safe food handling practices in retail and food service establishments. The Food Code serves as a model for state and local jurisdictions, allowing them to develop their own regulations based on its recommendations. By providing a comprehensive framework for food safety, the FDA sets the standards that help minimize foodborne illnesses and ensure public health. While other agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency have essential roles in food safety and related areas, they do not primarily focus on food handling practices within retail settings to the same extent as the FDA. Their mandates cover broader environmental health, agricultural practices, and workplace safety, which may indirectly influence food handling but do not specifically address retail food establishments in the same detail as the FDA.