Which agency enforces the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and what does it require?

• A. USDA FSIS; requires humane handling and slaughter of livestock.
• B. FDA; requires safe packaging.
• C. USDA APHIS; requires disease surveillance.
• D. CDC; requires reporting of injuries.

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is who is responsible for ensuring humane treatment of animals during slaughter and what that treatment requires. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act is enforced by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The act requires humane handling of livestock before and during slaughter and humane slaughter methods, which typically means rendering animals insensible to pain before they are killed (often through proper stunning), and avoiding unnecessary stress or suffering. FSIS inspectors work in slaughter facilities to ensure handling practices, equipment, and procedures meet these standards. Other agencies have different roles (FDA focuses on safety and packaging, APHIS on broader animal health and welfare, CDC on disease surveillance), but the enforcement of humane slaughter methods falls under FSIS.