Federal government agency founded in 1798 that is in charge of the control of all people and immigrants arriving from foreign countries and products that might affect the health of people in America. It sets standards for domestic handling and processing of food and manufacture of serums, vaccines, cosmetics, and drugs. It is the uniformed service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. USPHS-commissioned officers serve their country by controlling the spread of contagious diseases such as smallpox and yellow fever, conducting important biomedical research, regulating the food and drug supply, providing health care to underserved groups, and supplying medical assistance in the aftermath of disasters.