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No Need to Wash Meat and Poultry
Many people wash or rinse their meat or poultry before cooking it. Some continue to wash or rinse their raw meat or poultry because it’s a habit or because a family member they trust has always washed their meat. USDA research has found that washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness.
Evidence-Based Policies in Action
Food Safety Facts
establishments that FSIS monitors
food safety and food defense procedures
Humane Handling & Good Commercial Practices Enforcement Activities
Did you know that the 1905 book The Jungle was a driver of the Federal Meat Inspection Act that governs FSIS’ activities today?
Upton Sinclair's novel took aim at the poor working conditions in a Chicago meatpacking house. The ensuing public furor moved Congress to pass the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), which President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law in 1906 and requires federal inspectors in meat-packing houses.
20
total public health alerts in 2024
Top 2024 Recall Reasons
Food Safety Tips
Free & Open Access to Information
In keeping with our society's interest in an open government, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any person access to almost all Federal agency records unless they are protected by one of nine exemptions.
Collaboration & Input
FSIS actively promotes and encourages collaboration to improve food safety outcomes and protect public health. Sharing information, promoting discussion and seeking input on science-based, data-driven policy decisions helps stakeholders become part of the food safety solution.
Careers
Join the Food Safety and Inspection Service
Consider a job with the Food Safety and Inspection Service. As an employee at one of the largest public health regulatory agencies in the U.S. Government, you can have the satisfaction of doing work that protects the public. Explore the job profiles below to learn more about what we do.
Food Inspector
Inspectors provide the first line of defense against adulterated meat and poultry products.
Consumer Safety Inspector
CSIs ensure a plant is operating within its written plans for HACCP, sanitation, and processing.
Public Health Veterinarian
PHVs help oversee the effectiveness of farm-to-table food safety systems.
Scientific Positions
FSIS scientists protect the public by providing microbiological, pathological, chemical and other scientific analyses of meat, poultry, and egg products.
Administrative
FSIS Administrative Positions include roles ranging from human resources to purchasing.
Professional Positions
FSIS Professional Positions include roles ranging from data analysts to financial managers.
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