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…
AVMA news
Organizations warn against hemp in pet food, livestock feed
Seventeen organizations sent a joint letter that encourages agriculture and state government leaders to wait for results of safety studies before…
policy
Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
JAVMA news
Midwestern Pet Foods warned corrective actions are insufficient
The Food and Drug Administration has warned Midwestern Pet Foods Inc., that its corrective actions to prevent additional contamination of its pet food…
JAVMA news
AVMA applauds gains in Farm Bill
$1 trillion legislation authorizes several veterinary research and food safety programs
blog
Xylitol labeling legislation would promote pet safety
The AVMA strongly supports the Paws Off Act of 2021, a bill that would require food containing the sugar substitute xylitol to include a warning label…
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
AAFCO calls for more research on hemp products in animal food
The Association of American Feed Control Officials has issued a position paper and call to action on hemp and its byproducts in livestock feed and pet…
JAVMA news
Legislation-At-A-Glance
The AVMA supports the Food Safety and Tracking Improvement Act (S. 425). This bill would establish a food traceability
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
USDA recruiting for slaughter inspection
The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service posted flyers everywhere at AVMA Convention 2017, this past July in Indianapolis,…
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
Robertson Hale promoted by FSIS
This past October, Dr. Kis Robertson Hale was appointed deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Public Health Science in the Department of…
JAVMA news
Mexican horse meat banned by EU
The European Union has banned the sale of horse meat processed in Mexico out of fear it may not meet food safety standards.
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…
JAVMA news
Comments invited on proposed new specialty
The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties has received a petition for recognition of the Exotic Companion Mammal Practice specialty under the…
JAVMA news
Congress considers minor use/minor species bill
Congress considers minor use/minor species bill The House of Representatives will once again consider legislation…
JAVMA news
AVMA weighs in at cannabis hearing
The hearing is part of an FDA plan resulting from growing interest in FDA-regulated products derived from Cannabis sativa L and its components.
JAVMA news
Supreme Court strikes down Calif. slaughter rules
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in January that the state of California cannot prohibit the slaughter of pigs that become
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…