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.
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.
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…
AVMA news
New law clarifies alternatives to animal testing for safety, efficacy of drugs
The recently passed FDA Modernization Act 2.0 authorizes the use of certain alternatives to animal testing, including cell-based assays and computer…
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…
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…
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…
AVMA news
New Arkansas vet tech legislation poses risks to veterinary patients, clients, and practices
The Arkansas state legislature recently adopted a law that will expand veterinary technician specialists’ (VTS) scope of practice. Another bill still…
AVMA news
FDA concludes first premarket consultation for meat cultured from animal cells
In a historic move, the Food and Drug Administration’s premarket consultation for meat cultured from animal cells brings Upside Foods’ chicken closer…
AVMA news
FDA: Congress, not rule-making, likely route for CBD availability
With the cannabidiol products market continuing to grow and after reviewing published scientific literature and information submitted to a public…
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…
AVMA news
Companies' cultivated chicken cells obtain regulatory approval
Two companies have received final approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin commercial production and sales of human food from…
AVMA news
Claims about meat, poultry products come under greater USDA scrutiny
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to ensure the veracity of claims about food animal products marketed as "free range" and…
AVMA news
Advances in animal genome editing continue apace
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently green lit for human consumption five genetically modified pigs at Washington State University.…
AVMA news
EPA, FDA weigh oversight overhaul for animal parasite products
Two federal agencies are considering transferring oversight of some 600 products from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Food and Drug…
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
Proposal calls for changes in antimicrobial use
The Food and Drug Administration hopes a guide and draft guide on antimicrobial use and availability
AVMA news
NIFA, LifeStock partner to promote federal programs addressing veterinary shortages
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded over $111,000 to the nonprofit LifeStock International to…