What is the primary focus of the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)?

The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) primarily focuses on ensuring the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of meat, poultry, and egg products. This role is critical in protecting public health by making sure that these food items are safe to consume and comply with established food safety regulations. FSIS conducts inspections during processing and packaging to prevent contamination and enforce standards that help maintain the quality of food. By regulating labeling, FSIS ensures that consumers receive accurate information about what they are purchasing, including nutritional content and safety warnings.

The other options, while relevant to the broader agricultural context, do not align directly with the primary mission of FSIS. For example, promoting agricultural exports and overseeing food distribution channels pertain to agricultural economics and logistics rather than the specific safety protocols and regulations that govern the handling and processing of food products. Similarly, marketing food products at the best price focuses on economic aspects rather than food safety and quality control, which are the core functions of the FSIS.