policy
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.
JAVMA news
Food safety policies updated
Four AVMA policies relating to food safety saw revisions proposed by the Food Safety Advisory Committee accepted by the Executive Board during its…
JAVMA news
Improving the safety of pet food
Several organizations are working on preventive measures for manufacturers to increase the safety of pet food.
policy
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA supports safety of GMO and GE foods
Given the safety of genetically modified organisms and genetically engineered foods, mandatory labeling of GMO and GE foods and food products is…
AVMA news
Veterinarian confirmed as undersecretary for food safety
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Dr. Jose Emilio Esteban, a veterinarian, as undersecretary for food safety with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
JAVMA news
Food Safety Working Group reports on progress
Federal agencies have taken a number of steps recently to improve food safety, according to a December 2011 progress report from the federal Food…
policy
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.
AVMA news
American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians – October 19, 2023
The American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) held a virtual meeting on October. 19. The AAFSPHV presented awards…
AVMA news
American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians – Oct. 19, 2022
The American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians held a virtual meeting on Oct. 19. The AAFSPHV presented an award and seated…
policy
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,…
Halloween pet safety
Don't feed your pets Halloween candy, especially if it contains chocolate or xylitol (a common sugar substitute); Make sure your pet has proper ID...
policy
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…
policy
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…
Cold weather animal safety
You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets'
JAVMA news
Pentobarbital in food sickens dogs, food maker wants more regulations
Five dogs became sick and one died after eating dog food later found to contain meat from a cow that had been euthanized with pentobarbital.
JAVMA news
Wildlife, trade, susceptibility amplify food risks
Domestic and wild sources of food, along with global trade, carry microbial risks to humans, and global health professionals are trying to
policy
Truthful and nonmisleading human food labeling
The AVMA supports truthful and non-misleading labeling of animal-derived human food products that meets specific criteria.
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Group offers certification for manufacturers of pet food
The American Feed Industry Association announced in late January that it has developed a voluntary third-party certification program for manufacturers…
policy
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…
AVMA news
AAFCO adopts consumer-friendly pet food labeling guidelines
The updated label recommendations from Association of American Feed Control Official were developed in conjunction with consumers and industry and are…