Under authority of the Federal Meat, Poultry and Egg Products Inspection Acts, USDA inspects and monitors all meat, poultry and egg products sold in interstate and foreign commerce to ensure compliance with mandatory U.S. food safety standards and inspection legislation.
Federal regulations require that most imported plants and seeds enter the U.S. through certain ports of entry where USDA has special facilities for the inspection and clearance of those items. Data and statistics are gathered at these ports of entry to help the U.S. monitor pest risks and diseases entering U.S. soil.
