New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What mark must meat inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture display?

1. FDA approval mark

2. USDA inspection stamp

3. State health department seal

4. Quality assurance label

The correct answer is: USDA inspection stamp

Meat inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must display the USDA inspection stamp. This stamp indicates that the meat has passed thorough inspection and meets federal safety standards for quality and sanitation. The inspection process conducted by the USDA ensures that the production of meat (animals, processing facilities, etc.) adheres to strict regulations, which are critical to safeguarding public health. The USDA inspection stamp is a guarantee for consumers that the meat has been properly handled and deemed safe for consumption, which is essential in preventing foodborne illnesses. Other options, such as the FDA approval mark, are related to different types of food safety regulations and are not applicable to meat products specifically, which solidifies the importance of the USDA stamp in the meat industry.