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Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
Food Safety Advisory Committee
The Food Safety Advisory Committee advises the Board of Directors on food protection (food safety, food defense, and food security) issues.
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The importance of veterinarians in food safety
The AVMA recommends that the USDA's Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service take three actions to enhance the recruiting and retention of…
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Safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically engineered (GE) food
The AVMA believes mandatory labeling of GMOs and GE foods or food products is not necessary.
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Education and training in food safety, security and defense for veterinary medical professional and paraprofessional students
The AVMA recommends that state and federal entities develop and expand training programs for veterinary students in the area of food safety,…
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Technologies for pathogen mitigation in food processing
The AVMA supports the use of pathogen reduction processes, such as pasteurization, irradiation, high pressure processing, and other science-based…
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Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
Winter holiday pet safety
December abounds with holiday celebrations, and nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. These tips can help keep…
Safe handling of pet food and pet treats
Commercial pet food and treats can provide healthy diets and tasty rewards for pets but need to be handled with health and safety in mind. Just like…
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Truthful and nonmisleading human food labeling
The AVMA supports truthful and non-misleading labeling of animal-derived human food products that meets specific criteria.
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Therapeutic pet food health claims
The FDA uses enforcement discretion in overseeing certain pet food claims. While many of these could legally be considered drugs, certain claims are…
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Marketing claims regarding agricultural animal food products
Understand when the AVMA believes a veterinarian should be involved in processes and practices that underlie marketing claims for animal-derived food…
Salmonella: Dry pet foods and pet treats (FAQ)
Questions/answers about Salmonella and pet food: How can pet food become contaminated? How can humans and pets become infected? How can you minimize…
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Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
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UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
Veterinary feed directive (VFD) basics
The FDA's Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requires a veterinarian’s involvement when any medically important antibiotic is fed to a food animal…
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Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
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Use of technology in veterinary medicine
The AVMA supports responsible and ethical development and use of technology that can benefit and protect public health, animal health and welfare, and…
Cannabis: FAQs for veterinarians
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the regulatory status of cannabis, cannabis-derived, and cannabis-related products in veterinary…
Cannabis use and pets
Resources to help veterinarians advise clients and treat patients who may have been exposed to marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug in the…
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UNDER REVIEWLayer hen housing systems
Laying hen housing systems must provide feed, water, light, air quality, space, and sanitation that promote good health and welfare for the hens.
Pet health and veterinary awareness events
View our calendar of observances and holidays related to veterinary medicine.
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Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
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Role of the veterinary profession in national, state, and local emergencies
The AVMA recommends that emergency management organizations include veterinarians in the planning process and response operations.
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the role of veterinarians in advancing One Health—A global public good
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.