How is mechanically separated meat regulated?

• A. It Is Regulated and Inspected by the USDA
• B. It Is Regulated by the FDA
• C. It Is Not Regulated
• D. It Is Regulated by State Departments Only

Answer: (A)

Meat products, including mechanically separated meat, are governed by federal regulation in the United States, not just state rules. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service oversees the safety, sanitation, labeling, and processing of meat and poultry under laws like the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Plants producing mechanically separated meat must be federally inspected and operate under HACCP-based controls, ensuring the product meets standards before it enters commerce. The FDA handles other foods, but meat and poultry are regulated at the federal level by the USDA, with states playing a secondary role under federal oversight. So, the regulation and inspection come from the USDA.