In the United States, agencies exist on the federal, state, and local levels to ensure a safe food supply and, in general, the food supply is very safe. However, as many as 81 million people experience foodborne illness annually, and an estimated 9,000 people die as a result. According to the Food and Drug Administration, almost everyone experiences a food-borne illness at least once a year, although many people don't realize it at the time. Most of these illnesses result from bacterial or viral contamination of food.

Producers, distributors, and consumers all share responsibility in ensuring safe food. Three different government agencies are responsible for regulating and watching out for the safety of the U.S. food supply: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The USDA monitors the safety of meat, poultry, and eggs across...