Tag: Food safety modernization act

Did you know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates approximately 80% of the U.S. food supply, yet the vast majority of food products do not receive formal pre-market 'approval'? This common misconception hides a complex and multi-faceted regulatory system designed to ensure the safety and proper labeling of the nation's food. For most food items, the FDA's oversight focuses on proactive measures like facility registration and enforcing safety controls rather than a simple approval stamp.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illness affects approximately 48 million Americans each year. So, when consumers see unfamiliar acronyms like "EMP" on a product label, it's natural to wonder, "What does EMP mean on food labels?". The key insight is that EMP is not for consumers but a food safety program used internally by manufacturers to prevent contamination.

While the U.S. is often perceived as a world leader in food production and safety, approximately one in six Americans gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year, raising important questions about **where does the USA rank in food safety?** This ranking is complex and depends on the specific metrics, comparing the proactive U.S. regulatory approach with the precautionary principles favored by regions like the European Union.