Which agency is responsible for shell eggs?

• A. FDA
• B. USDA
• C. EPA
• D. NIH

Answer: (A)

The key idea is which federal agency regulates shell eggs in the United States. Shell eggs are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the Food Safety and Inspection Service, under the Egg Products Inspection Act. This agency oversees the safety, sanitation, labeling, and grading of shell eggs from production through sale, ensuring that eggs sold to consumers meet established standards.

The FDA handles eggs that are not in shell form, such as liquid, dried, or baked egg products, and products where eggs are used as ingredients. The EPA and NIH do not regulate shell eggs in this context—EPA focuses on environmental and pesticide issues, and NIH on biomedical research.