Which regulatory body sets the standards for food safety in the deli?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulatory body responsible for setting the standards for food safety in the deli, as well as in other food service and consumer food industries. The FDA establishes guidelines and regulations that must be adhered to by food establishments to ensure public health and safety. These guidelines include food handling practices, storage temperatures, and sanitation requirements, which are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.

While the Department of Agriculture focuses on the safety of meat, poultry, and some egg products, and the CDC provides guidance on public health issues related to disease control, particularly outbreaks, it is the FDA that directly oversees food safety regulations governing retail food services, including delis. The Environmental Protection Agency is primarily concerned with environmental protection and does not directly regulate food safety.

Thus, the FDA is pivotal in setting the standards that help ensure the deli operates within safe and healthy parameters.