policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
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.
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Board opposes APHA resolution against nontherapeutic antimicrobial use in food animals
Dr. Tennyson noted the Association's recognition that antimicrobial resistance is an important problem in human medicine.
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
World Veterinary Day promotes sustainable development
The theme of World Veterinary Day 2018, which falls on April 28, is “The role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve…
JAVMA news
FDA revokes planned extralabel cephalosporin use ban
The Food and Drug Administration decided in late November against implementing a ban on extralabel cephalosporin antimicrobial use in food animals.
JAVMA news
AVMA cautions against indiscriminate broad bans on livestock antimicrobials
The increase in antimicrobial-resistant pathogens—especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—has Congress searching for a remedy to a…
JAVMA news
FDA guidance on antimicrobials aims to prevent resistance
Agency outlines detailed approach to evaluating animal drugs' microbiologic effects on bacteria and human health
AVMA news
Delegates update AVMA policies on diets for cats and dogs, animal loss support services
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) amended several AVMA policies addressing a range of veterinary-related issues, , from raw diets for dogs and cats,…
policy
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…
JAVMA news
Report says animal management research needed
A report from a science source for food, agricultural, and environmental issues calls for research on connections among animal
JAVMA news
Cephalosporin use restricted in livestock
The Food and Drug Administration is increasing restrictions on extralabel use of cephalosporin-class antimicrobials in most food animals starting…
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…
JAVMA news
AVMA speaks to Congress about livestock health issues
The AVMA testified before a House subcommittee Sept. 25 on advancements in animal health in the livestock industry, describing for lawmakers progress…
JAVMA news
Federal directive brings veterinarians and beekeepers together
Over the years, veterinary medicine has paid little attention to honeybees, the only insect listed as a food-producing animal.
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…