An IP is notified that a shipment of lettuce is being recalled. To whom should the IP report the lettuce product lot number?

• A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• B. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• C. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that most food recalls are managed by the FDA, which has authority over safety and labeling of most foods, including fresh produce like lettuce. The product lot number is essential because it identifies the exact batch that could be unsafe, enabling the FDA to trace its distribution, notify suppliers and retailers, and coordinate a targeted recall to protect public health. The other agencies have different roles: the CDC handles disease surveillance and outbreak investigations, not recalls; USDA oversees meat, poultry, and some egg products; EPA deals with pesticides and environmental health issues. So reporting the lettuce lot number to the FDA ensures the recall process can be initiated and the affected batch can be tracked and removed from the supply chain.