At the federal government level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) protect the safety and wholesomeness of food. The FDA’s scientists test samples to see if any substances, such as pesticide residues, are present in unacceptable amounts. If contaminants are identified, they take corrective action. The FDA also sets labeling standards to help consumers know what is in the foods they buy.

The nation's food supply is protected in yet another way – the FDA makes sure that the medicated feeds and other drugs given to animals raised for food are not threatening to the consumers’ health.

The USDA has developed mandatory standards for meat, livestock, poultry, eggs, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and other agricultural products. Terms such as "USDA Choice" and "USDA Grade A" have meaning in international commerce and command premium prices for USDA-graded U.S. agricultural products.

In addition, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service develops and maintains a host of voluntary quality and product description standards for use in commercial transactions – including standards for agricultural commodities as well as processed agricultural products.

Industry standards for food preparation, storage, and serving equipment are developed by NSF International. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. develops standards for the safety of equipment and appliances.

A word about organic foods - the USDA has put in place a set of national standards that food labeled “organic” must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. After October 21, 2002, when you buy food labeled “organic” you can be sure that it was produced using the highest organic production and handling standards in the world.