The regulatory landscape of food safety is complex and understanding which agency has oversight of specific foods can be confusing. Food businesses, such as restaurants, retailers, food processors, and farms must understand which local, state, and/or federal agency has jurisdiction over their foods in order to comply with required food safety regulations. NC State Extension partnered with state and local agencies (NCDA&CS and NC DHHS) to deliver a webinar series to answer your questions regarding who regulates our foods.
An Introduction to Food Safety Regulatory Agencies in North Carolina
Don’t know where to begin? This webinar offers an introduction and overview of the food safety regulatory structure in North Carolina. A representative from each agency will introduce their roles and responsibilities. Subsequent webinars provide more specific information regarding oversight and responsibilities.
Food Program: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Do you make, package, and sell foods? Interested in value-added processing for your fresh produce? What about a home-inspected kitchen, a shared-use facility, or a commercial facility? The Food Program oversees many processed, packaged food products for sell within the state, and actively partners with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce state-adopted federal regulations.
Produce Safety Program: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Are you growing, harvesting, packing, and/or holding fresh produce to sell? The Produce Safety Program provides support to North Carolina fresh produce farmers through education and outreach to build knowledge of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) through collaborations, including NC State University and NCDA&CS Research Stations. It is also tasked with conducting produce safety inspections to determine compliance with the Produce Safety Rule.
Meat and Poultry Inspection Division: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Are you processing or handling meat and/or poultry? Want to learn more about a meat handler’s license? The Meat and Poultry Inspection Division ensures that meat and poultry operations subject to North Carolina state inspection produce safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: Food Protection Branch
Are you operating a restaurant or retail establishment? How about a catering business? What is meant by direct-to-consumer sales? The Food Protection Program, which includes county health departments, enforce standards for direct-to-consumer sales, such as restaurants, food stands, mobile food units, meat markets, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and summer camps.
