The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the production and distribution of ice cream in the United States. The FDA sets standards for the safety and quality of ice cream, and it also inspects ice cream manufacturers and distributors to ensure that they are complying with these standards.

The minimum percentage of milkfat required in ice cream in order for it to be labeled as "ice cream" is 10%. If an ice cream product contains less than 10% milkfat, it must be labeled as a "frozen dessert" or a "sherbet".

The maximum percentage of overrun allowed in ice cream is 100%. Overrun is the amount of air that is incorporated into ice cream during the freezing process. Too much overrun can make ice cream fluffy and less flavorful.

The minimum temperature at which ice cream must be stored is 0°F. Ice cream that is stored at higher temperatures can melt and become unsafe to eat.

The maximum amount of time that ice cream can be stored in a freezer is 1 year. After 1 year, the quality of the ice cream will start to deteriorate.

The three main types of ice cream are hard, soft, and frozen yogurt. Hard ice cream is the most common type of ice cream. It is made with milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. Soft ice cream is made with the same ingredients as hard ice cream, but it is churned at a higher speed, which makes it softer and creamier. Frozen yogurt is made with milk, yogurt, sugar, and flavorings. It is lower in fat and calories than hard ice cream.

Gelato is made with more milk and less cream than ice cream. It is also churned at a slower speed, which makes it denser and creamier. Gelato is typically served at a warmer temperature than ice cream, which allows the flavors to come through more.

Sorbet is made with fruit, while sherbet is made with milk and fruit. Sorbet is dairy-free, while sherbet is not. Sorbet is typically served as a dessert, while sherbet is often used as a topping or ingredient in other dishes.

The most popular ice cream flavors in the United States are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, rocky road, butter pecan, coffee, and pistachio.

The most popular ice cream brands in the United States are Ben & Jerry's, Haagen-Dazs, Baskin-Robbins, Blue Bell, Dreyer's, Edy's, Häagen-Dazs, Talenti, and Magnum.

Some of the latest trends in ice cream include artisanal ice cream, low-calorie ice cream, and vegan ice cream.

Some of the challenges facing the ice cream industry include rising costs of ingredients, changing consumer preferences, and competition from new entrants.

The future of the ice cream industry is expected to be characterized by continued growth, consolidation, and innovation.

When choosing an ice cream, it is important to consider the flavor, texture, and ingredients. You should also consider your dietary restrictions and preferences.

To tell if ice cream is safe to eat, you should check the expiration date, make sure the ice cream is frozen solid, and look for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration.