Which government agency is responsible for inspecting and grading meat?

The agency responsible for inspecting and grading meat is the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). This department plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of meat products marketed to consumers. It establishes standards for meat grading and inspection, ensuring that meat is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducts regular inspections of meat processing plants and enforces regulations to maintain food safety standards.

In contrast, other agencies have different focuses; for example, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) primarily oversees food safety related to packaged and processed foods, not meat specifically. The DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) encompasses broader public health initiatives but does not directly inspect and grade meat. The Department of Commerce generally deals with trade policies and economic matters and is not directly involved in meat inspection and grading. Thus, the USDA is the clear agency tasked with this important responsibility.