date:Feb 17, 2013
at to the industry ability to provide a critical component of the food supply, Boyle wrote, adding that USDA inspectors have historically been deemed essential personnel. He said that that for many years, the Office of Management and Budget has deemed essential those employees whose activities [are] essential to ensure continued public health and safety, including safe use of food, drugs, and hazardous materials.
In that regard, the mission statement on the Food Safety and Inspection Service