Which agency assists with public health aspects related to imported animal foods?

• A. FDA.
• B. FSIS.
• C. APHIS.
• D. CDC.

Answer: (D)

Public health aspects of imported animal foods center on monitoring, detecting, and responding to foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. The agency whose primary role is national public health surveillance, outbreak investigation, and prevention is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC tracks illness patterns, coordinates investigations of outbreaks linked to foods (including those from imports), and issues guidance to reduce risks to the public. It works in partnership with other agencies that regulate safety and import controls, but its core function is protecting public health through data, surveillance, and rapid response.

The other agencies have important roles too: FDA regulates safety standards for most foods, including many imported animal-origin products; FSIS focuses on safety and inspection of meat, poultry, and processed egg products; APHIS concentrates on preventing animal diseases and pests from entering the country. However, public health surveillance and outbreak response related to imported foods fall under CDC’s remit.