Farmers and Government --
The Food Quality Team

America's safe, wholesome food supply is the envy of the world, but it didn't just happen that way. Farmers and government have worked together to produce quality foods that merit a high degree of consumer confidence.

Federal and state laws strictly regulate the production and processing of meat, poultry and dairy products. Four government agencies play key roles in this process:

• The Food and Drug Administration, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture monitors animal feeds used on farms to assure the judicious use of medications. Federal standards for residue levels in meat and poultry are very strict; if levels are exceeded, the meat is destroyed.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture inspect farms where animals are raised for food production to assure compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• The Minnesota Board of Animal Health, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, enforces rules protecting the health, welfare and interstate transportation of Minnesota domestic animals.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects all animal processing plants for cleanliness and proper product handling. The inspections are conducted by experienced federal veterinarians or specially trained, supervised inspectors.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Inspection Service conducts multiple inspections of meat, poultry and dairy products for wholesomeness and safety before they are released for sale to consumers.

Every Minnesota farmer must be fully aware of federal and state laws governing animal agriculture and food safety.

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