policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
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
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,…
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…
JAVMA news
Judge orders antimicrobial safety evaluation
In June, a U.S. magistrate ordered federal authorities to evaluate the safety of many uses of antimicrobials in livestock.
policy
Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
JAVMA news
FDA bans feed importer for safety violation, fraud
A Canadian company is barred from exporting animal foods to the U.S. after perpetrating a fraud intended to cover up a shipment of unsafe feed.
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
Companies to pay $7M for pet food fraud
Two companies will pay $7 million after admitting that they omitted poultry meal from pet foods or replaced it with feather and bone meals.
JAVMA news
FDA warns of multiple contaminated pet foods
Pet foods sold by multiple companies have been contaminated with bacteria and thyroid hormones, leading to recalls in March.
JAVMA news
Some dry dog foods may have harmful excess vitamin D
At least six dogs have been sickened with vitamin D toxicosis, although Food and Drug Administration officials have received no reports of deaths,
policy
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…
JAVMA news
FDA cancels 1977 drug withdrawal bids
This past December, federal drug authorities canceled a 34-year-old proposal to withdraw approvals for some antimicrobial uses in feed.
policy
Withdrawal of FDA approval for animal drug products
Loss of an animal drug product can have adverse effects on animal health, animal welfare and food safety.
JAVMA news
New residue tests expand screening, reduce sampling
Officials with the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service expect to find illegal drug and chemical residues in meat and eggs…
blog
Farm priorities: Ensuring veterinarians’ voices are heard
As Congress works to finalize the details of the 2018 farm bill, the AVMA is continuing advocacy work in support of key programs that protect animal…
JAVMA news
FSIS wants to privatize some pig slaughter duties
Proposed regulations would shift food inspection duties in swine slaughter from federal employees to private ones.
JAVMA news
FSIS to expand E coli testing
Federal food inspectors plan to test for more Escherichia coli strains in beef trim starting in March by expanding scrutiny to six serogroups recently…
JAVMA news
The heated topic of raw milk
Unpasteurized milk has found a niche, with devoted followers hyping its taste and purported health benefits.
JAVMA news
Economists: Livestock and poultry producers cutting flock, herd sizes
Meat, poultry, and dairy producers have overall been cutting back the sizes of herds and flocks.
JAVMA news
USDA awards funds to support rural veterinary services
The Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced Nov. 21, 2017, that it has awarded 13 grants to support rural…
JAVMA news
Proposal calls for changes in antimicrobial use
The Food and Drug Administration hopes a guide and draft guide on antimicrobial use and availability
policy
UNDER REVIEWResearch priorities of the American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA strongly prioritizes the overall concept of One Health as a model for integrating relevant clinical and scientific expertise to solve…
policy
Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
JAVMA news
FDA scrutinizes jerky treats linked with canine illness
The Food and Drug Administration has received more than 2,000 complaints in the past five years of illnesses in dogs following consumption of jerky…