Food Safety and Inspection Service

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 science-based national system to ensure food safety and food defense. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the [Federal Meat Inspection Act](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/federal-meat-inspection-act "Federal Meat Inspection Act"), the [Poultry Products Inspection Act](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/poultry-products-inspection-act "Poultry Products Inspection Act"), and the [Egg Products Inspection Act](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/egg-products-inspection-act "Egg Products Inspection Act"), as well as humane animal handling through the [Humane Methods of Slaughter Act](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/humane-methods-livestock-slaughter-act "Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act"). Science leading the way in food safety for more than 150 years Several events in the latter half of 1800s set the stage for developing the earliest standards for food processing. **FSIS Core Values** **Accountable** FSIS holds itself accountable in fulfilling its regulatory mission and in serving the public. **Collaborative** FSIS actively promotes and encourages collaboration within our Agency and with our partners to prevent illness and protect the public's health. **Empowered** FSIS employees are empowered with the necessary training, tools, and approaches they need to make and carry out informed decisions that protect public health and promote food safety. **Solutions-Oriented** FSIS is committed to deploying effective, evidence- based solutions to ensure that the nation's food supply is safe.