What is the function of the CDC in US food safety?

• A. Regulate pesticides and toxins.
• B. Set drinking water standards.
• C. Oversee meat and poultry inspection.
• D. Nationwide disease surveillance.

Answer: (D)

Nationwide disease surveillance is what the CDC primarily does for food safety. The agency tracks foodborne illnesses across the country, collects and analyzes data, and leads outbreak investigations in partnership with state and local health departments. This surveillance system detects outbreaks early, helps pinpoint the likely source of contamination, and enables rapid public health actions such as recalls and advisories to prevent more people from getting sick. It also informs prevention efforts and safety messaging to reduce future risks. Other tasks—like regulating pesticides and toxins, setting drinking water standards, or inspecting meat and poultry—are handled by other agencies, which is why those options aren’t the CDC’s function in food safety.