Which agency inspects and assesses food for safety and quality?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the correct answer because it is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of food, drugs, and other related products. The FDA oversees food safety through regulations that govern how food is processed, packaged, and labeled, as well as through inspections of food manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with these regulations. This includes monitoring for contaminants and enforcing standards that help ensure that the food supply is safe for consumption.

Understanding the roles of the other agencies is also important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulates the use of pesticides in agriculture, not directly inspecting food items. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) covers aspects of food safety, particularly related to meat, poultry, and egg products, but it operates in a more specific realm compared to the broader scope of the FDA. Lastly, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are involved in public health and safety, particularly in tracking foodborne illnesses and outbreaks rather than inspecting food products themselves. Thus, while each agency plays integral roles in food safety and public health, the FDA is specifically tasked with inspecting and assessing the overall safety and quality of food.