Food and Drug Inspector
PrintWork Tasks
FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTORS enforce a wide range of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. They inspect and enforce rules on matters such as food, cosmetics, and drugs. Food and drug inspectors periodically check firms that produce, handle, store, and market food, feeds, pesticides, weights and measures, drugs, medical equipment, and biological products. They look for inaccurate product labeling, and for decomposition or contamination. Inspectors discuss their observations with plant managers or officials and point out areas where corrective measures are needed.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
- A large occupation (217,600 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow rapidly (3.0% per year)
Entry Requirements
Employers generally prefer to hire FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTORS with college training including courses related to the job. Applicants must have related experience and pass an examination based on specialized knowledge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires inspectors to have at least thirty credit hours of science training. All inspectors are trained in applicable laws and inspection procedures through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. Some states require food and drug inspectors to be licensed and their qualifications regulated by their examining boards.