Interplay of Regulation and Market Incentives in Providing Food Safety. ERS Report Summary

摘要

The current level of food safety found in U.S. meat and poultry products is a result of both Government regulations and management-determined actions motivated by market incentives. For meat and poultry processing plants, the U.S. Government mandates both food safety process regulations that require specific technologies or production practices and performance regulations that promulgate acceptable levels of food product safety. Meat and poultry processing plants are also influenced by market incentives, including legal liability, the value of their brand, and their desire to sell more of their food product. Companies often negotiate contracts, which, in exchange for higher prices or guaranteed purchases, specify food safety levels to be achieved or technologies to be used.