Which agencies regulate the importation of animal products and foods at U.S. ports?

• A. CDC assists with public health aspects only and has no regulatory role in imports.
• B. FDA regulates most foods; FSIS regulates meat/poultry/egg products; APHIS handles animal health documentation; CDC assists with public health.
• C. FSIS regulates all imported foods; APHIS handles public health investigations.
• D. APHIS regulates human foods at ports; FDA oversees animal health certificates.

Answer: (B)

Import regulation at U.S. ports involves several agencies, each with a distinct role. The FDA handles most foods entering the country, focusing on safety, labeling, and manufacturing practices for foods not covered by the USDA. The Food Safety and Inspection Service oversees meat, poultry, and processed egg products to ensure their safety from production through distribution. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is responsible for animal health documentation, import permits, and certificates to prevent the introduction of animal diseases and pests. The CDC plays a public health support role, offering risk assessment and guidance when disease concerns arise, but it does not issue routine import permits.

This combination correctly reflects who regulates what at the ports and why other options mix up responsibilities, such as claiming FSIS handles all imported foods or that APHIS regulates human foods.