Final answer:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for inspecting meat, poultry, and egg products, as well as fruits and vegetables, that cross state lines. The USDA also plays a significant role in inspections, specifically for meat, poultry, and processed eggs. Both agencies work to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agency responsible for inspecting meat, poultry, egg, fruits, and vegetables that are shipped across state lines is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This federal agency ensures that foods meet safety standards to prevent foodborne diseases and conducts regular inspections and enforcement actions to maintain food safety. The FDA enforces several laws, including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and works alongside local and state government agencies, as well as other federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to regulate food safety. The USDA specifically oversees the inspection of meat, poultry, and processed egg products, while the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of most other foods, including fruits and vegetables.
In response to historical concerns regarding food and drug safety, government began to adopt legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which led to the creation of the FDA. The act put into place federal standards for food and drugs inspection and required truthful labeling, drastically improving the safety and purity of products available to consumers.
Today, the FDA's role extends beyond just food safety; it also regulates products like pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices. Moreover, food irradiation, a method used to ensure food safety, has been deemed safe by the FDA and several other agencies. The practice aims to reduce or eliminate pathogens and spoilage organisms in food, further contributing to food safety regulation.