A Joint American Tradition: Hot Dogs, FDA & USDA

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between three staples of American culture: the hot dog, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The reader is first introduced to the hot dog and takes a fun and illustrative journey through the hot dog’s storied tradition. Then, the paper addresses government regulation of hot dogs. Although hot dogs are principally regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture, FDA plays an integral role in the regulation and safety of hot dogs. Specifically, hot dogs raise many health concerns. Hot dogs contain many additives, such as sodium nitrite, and host harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can give rise to food-borne illness. Despite USDA regulation of the meat industry, FDA retains jurisdiction in the areas of food additives and food-borne illness, and FDA interacts with USDA and other agencies in order to address these health concerns.