The FDA conducts tests to see if feed additives contain ________ ________ agents.

The focus on whether feed additives contain carcinogenic agents is rooted in the significant health implications for both livestock and humans. The FDA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that any substances incorporated into animal feed are safe for consumption. Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer in living tissues, and their presence in feed additives raises serious concerns about food safety and public health.

By testing for carcinogenic agents, the FDA helps to mitigate risks associated with animal products entering the food supply. This is critical because the ingestion of contaminated feed can not only affect the livestock’s health but can also pose a risk to consumers who eat animal-derived products, thus safeguarding both animal welfare and public health.

In contrast, while the other options mention harmful chemicals, nutritional components, and disease-fighting properties, they do not directly align with the specific regulatory focus of the FDA on testing for cancer-causing substances in feed additives. Understanding this distinction emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures in the livestock nutrition industry, particularly regarding additives that could have serious long-term health impacts.