The federal U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the main governing body to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food. Of the aspects of food product quality and distribution that are commonly regulated, standards of quality, adulteration, misbranding, and pricing are perhaps the most important. The agency's scientists also test samples to see if any substances, such as pesticide residues, are present in unacceptable amounts. If contaminants are identified, FDA takes corrective action. FDA also sets labeling standards to help consumers know what is in the foods they buy.
When a company can't or won't correct a public health problem with one of its products voluntarily, FDA has legal sanctions it can bring to bear. The agency can go to court to force a company to stop selling a product and to have items already produced seized and destroyed. When warranted, criminal penalties--including prison sentences--are sought against manufacturers and distributors.
