Ag Sec Tom Vilsackon on Pepperoni Pizza vs Cheese Pizza

On 9/25/2023, during White House Press Brief, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “Well, I think you would want to visit with the folks at FDA. You need to understand that our food safety responsibilities are divided. The USDA has responsibility for meat, poultry, and processed eggs. FDA has responsibility for everything else … To show you how silly this is: If you order a pepperoni pizza, we’re guaranteeing the safety of it because there’s meat on that pizza. If you order a cheese pizza, you’re looking at FDA. (Laughter.)

Reporter: So, are not all food inspectors considered essential workers? Just ones affiliated with meat and —

SECRETARY VILSACK: Well, I can’t speak — I can’t speak to what HHS does or what FDA does. That’s why I think you should visit with them.

Ag Sec Tom Vilsackon on Pepperoni Pizza vs Cheese Pizza

Key Points

On 9/25/2023, during White House Press Brief, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “Well, I think you would want to visit with the folks at FDA

• You need to understand that our food safety responsibilities are divided
• The USDA has responsibility for meat, poultry, and processed eggs
• FDA has responsibility for everything else

Transcript Highlights

Transcribed from the video audio:

• You need to understand that our food safety responsibilities are divided
• The USDA has responsibility for meat, poultry and processed eggs
• FDA has responsibility for everything else
• If you order a pepperoni pizza, we’re guaranteeing the safety of it because there’s meat on that pizza
• If you order a cheese pizza, you’re looking at FDA
• So are not all food inspectors considered essential workers, just ones affiliated with meat and
• I can’t speak to what HHS does or what FDA does
• That’s why I think you should visit with them