Animal Food Chain Innovation Holds Great Promise and Power
AFIA Joins Call for Panel to Discuss Business Impact of Proposed Formaldehyde Management Standards
House Speaker Ouster Delays Legislative Business
AFIA Submits Comments Supporting California's Pet Food Regulatory Changes
IPEF Negotiations Resume for Another Round
US-UK Bilateral Trade Agreement Negotiations Begin
AFIA Board of Directors Meets
Going to COP? Let Us Know!
NARA Launches New Organic Recycling Information Campaign
New Report Finds Ag Falling Behind on Global Productivity
Government Remains Open Temporarily, While House Leadership Hangs in the Balance
AAFCO Committee to Discuss Ingredient Definitions in Upcoming WebinarOSHA Provides New Resources to Protect Workers from Heat Illnesses
American Agriculture Keeps Pushing for Farm Bill
Lawmakers Prioritize Offensive Agriculture Disputes and Enforcement in New Legislation
Lawmakers Pose Idea for New Economic, Security Preparedness and Resilience Office
AFIA Highlights US Feed Additives in Vietnam this Week
US-Kenya Negotiations Cover Agriculture
IPPE Extends Registration for Young Leaders Program
AFIA Members Feel Buzz of a Capitol on the Brink
New CVM Agenda Would Champion Innovation Through Improved Regulatory Environment
Much At Stake as Sept. 30 Deadline Looms
California
Americas Act Could Bring New Possibilities for US Animal Food Exports
Key Trade Legislation Still Up in Air
APHIS Seeks Comments by Oct. 10 on AQI Program
ICYMI: AFIA Shares Learnings from Brazil Market Assessment in Webinar
EMC to Discuss Hiring in Difficult Labor Environment
LFS Attendees Win by a Mile in Louisville
New Study Credits Livestock Feeds as One Way to Achieve Reduced Carbon Emissions
Liquid Feed Members Lead the Stretch in Louisville
IFIF Issues Additional Guidance for International Ingredient Reviews
Industry Invited to Add Items to AAFCO's Common Food Items List
Energy Department Hosts Decarbonization of Food Meeting
Government Funding Showdown Coming to a Head on Capitol Hill
Former Congressman Blasts Innovative FEED Act
Groups Call for Agriculture Lawmakers to Invest in FFAR
USTR Names New Acting Assistant
New Agricultural Caucus Focusing on Stirring Up Trade Prospects
AFIA Recognizes Members at LFS
Does Your Facility Rise to Best-in-Class Level?
Congress Has Much to Do, With Little Time
AFIA Supports Use of Titanium Dioxide as Color Additive
Senate Urges USDA to Improve Trade
Canada Updates Schedule IV, V Feed Ingredient Definitions, Will Host Webinar on New Regulations
West Coast Port Workers Ratify Contract
Support the Feed Industry's Next Generation at EMC
IPPE Accepting Applications Until Oct. 1 for the 2024 Young Leaders Under 30 Award
Learn About New Resources on Economic Value of Animal Food Industry
This issue includes:
Care About Timely Ingredient Reviews? The Time to Speak Up Is NOW!
Congress Back to Work
Florida SB 1056 & HB 959
Illinois HB 1290
New Jersey AB 5237
Oregon SB 89
Pennsylvania SB 407
FDA Gives More Detail on Agency Reorganization
New USMCA Emergency Response Panel Established
Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week is Right Around the Corner
This issue includes:
AFIA Board Leadership Discusses Industry Policy Priorities on Capitol Hill, With Agencies
FACA Lays Out Farm Bill Priorities
California SB 485
California SB 780
Illinois HB 1290
Illinois HB 2524
Illinois HB 3567
Maryland SB 937
AFIA Backs FDA's Pick to Lead CVM
EPA, FDA Seek Input on Oversight Approach of Certain Products
Codex is Back In-person and Focused on Feed
EFSA Provides Opinions on Restrictions of Feed and Welfare Recommendations for Poultry
In this issue:
AFIA Unpacks Latest FDA Guidance
Congress Looks at Realigning "Food" Within FDA
California State Update
FDA Marks Progress on New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint
Reminder: Don't Forget to Register for AFIA's Meetings at AAFCO
AFIA on Dairy Radio Now
Nominate a Friend of Pet Food
Nominate the Next Liquid Feed Hall of Famer
Manage Your Company Employees in the AFIA Member Database
Mark Your Calendars for EMC!
In this issue:
FDA Releases Final Guidance on Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food
AFIA Hosts Meetings at AAFCO
Lawmakers Urge Against Work Stoppage at West Coast Ports
Biden May Lift Tariffs This Month
Lawmakers Call on Biden to Ease Tariffs on Trucking and Shipping Parts
You Can Now Listen to AFIA's Weekly FeedGram!
Engage in Feed System Sustainability
Exhibit at IPPE!
In this issue:
EPA Should Encourage Scientific Input, Not Shut It Out
Congress Is Getting It Done Before Clocking Out
Could Renewing TPA Close Gap on China Competition Bills?
Biden Proposes Gas, Diesel Tax Holiday
SEC Should Hold on Climate Disclosure Requirements
NRCS Feed Management Standard: Valuable Tool for Improving Livestock Efficiencies, Reducing Footprint
Reminder: "UNK" Option for FSVP Importers Ending Soon
USDA Works to Improve Supply Chain Bottlenecks at US Ports
WTO'S 12th Ministerial Included Agricultural Trade Discussions
US, Kenya Revisit Trade Talks
CBP Issues More Guidance on Uyghur Act
Latin American Agricultural Trade Pledge Released
Override of NIP Not to Threaten US-UK Trade Talks
US to Help Export Ukrainian Grain via Poland
AFIA Speaks on Key Policy Priorities on Agri-Pulse Open Mic
FII Module 2 is Now Open!
In this issue:
FDA Is Resuming Routine Inspections: Are You Ready?
Federal Feed Ingredient Review Process Under Congressional Eye
Extension for Government Funding Coming Soon
Ocean Shipping Reform Bills See More Action
Maine State Update
Maryland State Update
South Dakota State Update
Vermont State Update
New Jersey State Update
Producing a Climate-Smart Commodity? You Could Be Eligible to Partner with USDA
FSIS to Host Salmonella in Poultry Roundtable
2021 Ag Exports Boast Record Levels
Phase One Trade Agreement Commitments
Canada Updates Feed Regulations
Avian Influenza Found in Indiana Commercial Turkey Flock
Watch: Gary Huddleston Speaking on Vaccine Mandates on Feedstuffs 365
Last Chance to Book Your PISC Hotel at a Discounted Rate!
In this issue:
FDA Pauses 2022 Inspections Citing Omicron
What's Congress Doing this Month?
AFIA Calls for Prioritized COVID Testing Resources
Maryland State Update
Maine State Update
FDA Commissioner Nominee Responds to Feed Questions
Submit Required 2021 Injury and Illness Data by March 2
Comments Filed on HHS Rule Withdrawal
AAFCO to Consider Ingredient Challenges, Pre-Meeting Happening TODAY
Industry Meetings for AAFCO
US Army Corps Should Focus on Improving Inland Waterway Access
ICYMI: AFIA's Perspective on Next 12 Months
Early-bird Registration for AFIA's IPPE Events Ends Tomorrow
Mark Your Calendars for 2022 AFIA Events!
This issue includes:
Are You Prepared for the COVID-19 ETS?
House Passes Infrastructure Bill, Funding Broadband and Other Rural Projects
Washington State Update
Ports Getting Funding and Attention
U.S., China Leaders to Meet
AFIA Speaking at Sustainable Agriculture Summit
Animal Food Equipment Sector Prepares for Emerging Safety Challenges
Find Out How Federal Regulations Will Affect Pet Food in 2022
This issue includes:
Hot Off the Press: Workplace COVID-19 ETS Released
Moving Closer to Reconciliation Package on Social Spending
Industry Groups Demand Progress on Supply Chain Issues
USDA Plans Return to Offices
AAFCO Acts on MSBC During Ingredient Committee Webinar
AAFCO Launches Animal Feed Ingredient Definition Course
Biden Pledges Methane Cuts, Confirms Commitment to Ag Innovation at COP26
Think You're Prepared for a Cyberattack? Think Again.
AFIA Updates ASF Resources, Calls for Support of Decontamination Research
EMC: Happening This Week!
AFIA Marketing Committee Tackles Changing Consumer Trends, Advocacy
Keeping Your Business Running in Times of Disruption
Hire Your Next Great Employee at IPPE
This issue includes:
Organizations Push COVID-19 Vaccination in Rural Communities as ETS Looms
Negotiations Continue on Social Spending Package
More Rural Broadband Money Coming
FDA and Stop Foodborne Illness to Co-Host Food Safety Culture Webinar
FDA Encourages Food and Ag Workers to Get Vaccinated Against Seasonal Flu and COVID-19
AFIA Submits Comments on Canada Feed Regulatory Framework Modernization
More Countries Want "In" on CPTPP
AFIA Trade Committee Meets
AFIA Webinars on Cybersecurity, ASF, Capitol Hill/Federal Agencies
Global Feed Industry Discusses Achieving Net-zero GHG Emissions Targets
National Organic Standards Board Holds Annual Meeting
Outreach to South America
Pet Food Conference Examines Emerging Trends, Current Issues
Support the Future of the Feed Industry by Attending EMC
This issue includes:
"The People's Summit" Is Here
Lot of Talking, Not Much Action
Oregon State Update
ASF Confirmed in Haiti, AFIA to Hold Webinar Soon
AAFCO Calls for Industry to Weigh In on Hemp Products in Animal Food
OSHA Initiates Expanded Measures to Protect Workers from Hazards of Extreme Heat
APHIS's IRegs: Your Resource for Exporting Animal-Based Products
China Asks to Join CPTPP
China Extends Retaliatory Tariff Exclusions
Contact Your Representatives on Shipping, Port Issues
US-EU Feed Industries Welcome Global Methane Pledge
Beef and Dairy Production Could Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050
IFIF Elects New Chair and Board of Directors for 2022-23
Vilsack Warns Ag Companies to Solidify Cybersecurity as Harvest Begins
Are You Addressing Food Safety and Biosecurity in Your Facility?
IPPE Booth Rates Increase Oct. 1
This Issue Includes:
FDA Site Inspections: During COVID and Beyond;
USMCA Is Viewed as Partial Template;
New York State Update;
Vermont State Update;
USDA Seeks Supply Chain Information;
USDA Needs Your Sustainability Examples;
President Targets Rural America in Vaccine Goal;
Feed Industry Sees Big Win At Codex;
IFIF Tackles AMR;
Countdown: one day until Halloween and four days until the election. Not to get your hopes up that we might know exactly who will be elected on Nov. 3rd or 4th, but at least we can all rejoice that the political ads will stop and your mailbox will be a little less full of flyers in four days.
What a whirlwind the last 14 days have been. President Donald Trump tests positive for COVID-19, enters the hospital, leaves the hospital, tests negative, starts campaigning again; the second presidential debate is canceled and new town halls take their place; a Supreme Court justice nominee receives a committee hearing in record time; and the tenth named hurricane ? a record ? hits the coastal U.S. while wildfires continued in the West. Oh, and we are still living in a pandemic. That's a lot going on, so here is a snippet of other agriculture stories from Washington, D.C. that you may have missed.
The use of antimicrobials in food-producing and companion animals has been under intense regulatory scrutiny in recent years, with many changes in regulations occurring in response. With a recent splurge of actions by regulatory agencies, it seems this topic is hitting the next wave of changes that will be crucial for the future availability of antimicrobials as an animal health tool.
The International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF) has finalized its third guidance document on "Homogeneity Testing of Feed Ingredients." The document provides guidance on homogeneity testing approaches and data to be included in a pre-market approval or authorization application for feed ingredients. It is not intended to provide guidance on the testing of the performance of the mixing devices in feed manufacturing facilities.
As we approach the fall season of an even numbered year, there are several regulatory registrations animal food facilities must complete before the end of the year. To be ready, the American Feed Industry Association urges members to take these next few weeks to dig out your login information and become familiar with the new modifications and requirements to complete your facility registration.
Combatting the threat of antimicrobial resistance is everyone's responsibility in animal agriculture ? from the farmers and ranchers who raise animals to the feed manufacturers that feed them to the veterinarians who care for them. Like most things in modern medicine, however, the treatments that work for some may not work for others, and what bacteria sickens one, may not sicken others. Now, a new report from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) drills down into this phenomenon as it relates to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in various animal species.
The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a new strategic plan to include enhanced monitoring of pathogens in animal feed and pet food as part of a multi-step approach to combat antimicrobial resistance, in accord with the principles of the One Health Initiative.
In the last edition of FeedGram, the American Feed Industry Association reported on the early progress of the Association of American Feed Control Officials' virtual annual meeting, highlighting actions taken on key issues that affect the animal food industry. As the meeting concluded, it is clear that the virtual meeting format was successful in keeping necessary business in the industry moving forward.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration announced that manufacturers of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used for grease-proofing in paper and paperboard for food packaging, have voluntarily agreed to phase-out their sales for use as food contact substances in the United States.
In mid-July, the Food and Drug Administration announced its Blueprint for a New Era in Food Safety, a 20-page document outlining the agency's new approach to food safety, including its proposals for leveraging technology and other tools to create a safer and more digital, traceable food system. While there are few details in the blueprint, the AFIA will continue to watch closely as the FDA develops protocols to implement "smarter tools" and "data trusts" as procedures to regulate food safety.
This week, the American Feed Industry Association responded to the Food and Drug Administration's request for information related to the requirements for analyzing foods, including animal food, at accredited laboratories. AFIA proposed a few slight modifications to the proposed rule based upon comments from members.
This weekend, the American Feed Industry Association joined partner organizations in
asking congressional leaders to provide liability protection to essential infrastructure
employers during this critical time. As essential work carries on at the direction of
executive orders and Defense Production Act directives, and in an effort to stabilize the
food supply chain, employers across the nation are facing increased risks of litigation
and punitive claims by employees exposed to COVID-19 ? a risk that only grows as
state economies begin to reopen.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most activities undertaken by American Feed Industry
Association members have been deemed essential -- meaning feed and pet food
manufacturing operations have continued, while much of the economy has experienced
severe shutdowns.
Late last week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released
Version 3.0 of its Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers list. Version 3.0 provides
clarity around a range of positions needed to support the critical infrastructure functions
laid out in the original guidance and Version 2.0.
As you may have seen in the news and livestock/poultry market reports, many of the
nation's slaughter facilities have either closed or reduced slaughter capacity due to
employees testing positive for COVID-19. As a result, certain situations may require
depopulation of livestock and poultry. The American Feed Industry Association is
tracking this issue very closely as it may impact the animal food industry in terms of the
availability of rendered ingredients and demand for animal feed.
On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration issued guidance for meat and poultry processing
workers and employers. While the guidance is focused on how meat and poultry
processing plants can establish or improve their COVID-19 response plans to continue
operations, there are lessons that can be applied to other manufacturing systems, like
animal feed, ingredients and pet food as well.
In a major step forward for improving the ingredient review process at the Food and Drug Administration, the American Feed Industry Association submitted comments to the agency this week on its draft guidance for industry on ingredient submissions. The draft guidance is a helpful tool for the industry in understanding how to use the pre-submission consultation process and prepare ingredient submissions or food use authorizations for the most efficient review.
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released guidance to state and local decision-makers on what it deems to be the "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce." Under this guidance, the agency lists 16 industry sectors as imperative to the stability of the nation during the COVID-19 emergency, of which food and agriculture is one of these essential sectors. The guidance document further defines critical food and agriculture workers.
The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced additional
guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able
to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act (FFCRA), which takes effect on April 1.
The COVID-19 situation has created a "new normal" for all of us as we, led by our government leaders, work to contain the transmission of this terrible virus. Its impact on individual health is severe and remains our utmost concern. Along with the efforts to protect public health, our industry is also working hard to ensure that the food supply remains uninterrupted. Deemed essential by virtually every state because of aggressive action by your AFIA team and other industry partners, the animal food sector is on the front-lines and successfully navigating limited labor, interrupted supply lines and distribution challenges. This is a remarkable industry!
The American Feed Industry Association is tracking updates on the new coronavirus (COVID19) and its effects on the animal food industry. See a few important updates below and be sure to bookmark our new member-only webpage for the latest news and resources.
Today, the Food and Drug Administration posted guidance for industry entitled, "Temporary
Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit
Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency." This policy provides
enforcement discretion for requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act regulations that require on-site audits to verify suppliers, in light of the recent actions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The American Feed Industry Association, along with 23 state and regional feed and grain
associations, called on state officials around the country today to maintain access to businesses providing animal food amid proposed state plans to close "non-essential businesses" to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Today, the Port of Houston closed two container terminals, Barbours Cut and Bayport, when an employee that worked at both sites tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Port Authority closed the public terminals and temporarily suspended operations while they conducted a thorough investigation. The Port Authority's other public facilities remained open. According to the Port Authority, the two container terminals will reopen on March 20. A
The American Feed Industry Association, along with 23 state and regional feed and grain associations, called on state officials around the country today to maintain access to businesses providing animal food amid proposed state plans to close "non-essential businesses" to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The plea comes after some states released response plans that excluded animal food manufacturing facilities, transportation and agricultural and non-agricultural retail establishments from their lists of "essential businesses." In an urgent letter, the groups stated that these businesses should be reclassified because not doing so would hinder the animal food industry's ability to continue feeding America's livestock, poultry and pets, threaten the U.S. food supply and drive up prices for farmers, ranchers, pet owners and consumers.
Over the last several months, the American Feed Industry Association has been
working with our members, the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Pet Food
Institute on finding a solution to the challenges presented with using menadione sodium
bisulfite complex (MSBC) as a source of vitamin K in animal foods other than poultry.
Today, the Food and Drug Administration posted guidance for industry entitled, "Temporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency." This policy provides enforcement discretion for requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act regulations that require on-site audits to verify suppliers, in light of the recent calls to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The American Feed Industry Association is tracking updates on the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effects on the animal food industry. See a few important updates below and be sure to bookmark our new member-only webpage for the latest news and resources.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine released a draft guidance for industry (GFI) on pre-submission consultations for a food additive or Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notifications intended for animal food.
The American Feed Industry Association and Feedstuffs congratulate Koch Farms of Morton, Miss., for being named the 2019 Feed Facility of the Year (FFY). Gary Huddleston, AFIA's director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs, announced that the mill won the award during AFIA's Feed Production Education Program, held today at the International Production & Processing Expo, happening this week in Atlanta, Ga.
The American Feed Industry Association's free Feed Education Program returns this year to the International Production & Processing Expo on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, to update attendees on recent changes within several federal agencies. The four-hour program is ideal for animal food facility managers, operations personnel and mill personnel looking to learn about the latest regulatory requirements impacting their businesses.
What would happen to the U.S. food and agricultural industries if cyber-attacks caused tens of thousands of farms and food processing facilities to lose power? Through participation in the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) for the Food and Agriculture Sector, the American Feed Industry Association is keeping abreast of a wide range of emerging security issues, including cyber security.
In a Thanksgiving week surprise, the Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to 15 companies selling cannabidiol (CBD) products marketed for humans and/or animals including food-producing animals. This is the first enforcement action the agency has taken for companies marketing CBD or hemp products to livestock and/or pets. The issuing of the warning letters to just 15 companies is likely a drop in the bucket of what is really available for consumers to purchase.
The American Feed Industry Association supports the Food and Drug Administration's vision outlined in the Blueprint for a New Era of Smarter Food Safety, but is concerned about unintended consequences brought about by the requirement to adopt emerging technology for use in food tracking and traceability.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on hazards associated with animal feed. The report, generated from an expert meeting held in 2015, provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on hazards associated with feed, including feed and products of feed production technologies of increasing relevance, such as insects, former food and food processing by-products, and biofuel by-products.
What are the tools of the future for food safety management? How can regulatory requirements be integrated into business models? How can food safety successfully be incorporated into business culture? Last spring, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new approach to "smarter food safety," which will explore the development of new processes and tools as the agency looks to the future.
Residues, when present in feed, could be transferred to meat, milk and eggs, and might pose a risk to public health and lead to possible trade disruption. Globally, animal feed manufacturers follow current good manufacturing practices to reduce the risk of residues, however some instances of residues are unintended and unavoidable. A recent report addressed the unintended and unavoidable presence of residues of approved veterinary drugs in food of animal origin (milk, milk and eggs) resulting from carryover of veterinary drugs in feed.
Last week, the American Feed Industry Association staff crossed the pond to meet with key government and industry leaders, as part of AFIA's strategy to expand market access and ensure appropriate international trade standards for the animal food industry.
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently held their 18th annual meeting in Rome, Italy, further strengthening collaboration on critical issues to ensure safe, nutritious and sustainable feed and food. The American Feed Industry Association participated in the meeting in various capacities.
The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine released a summary
yesterday of how producers, veterinarians, feed mills and retail establishments have been
complying with the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rule.
The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership is requesting input on two draft technical documents for the feed industry. One addresses the environmental performance of feed additives in livestock supply chains and the other looks at biodiversity and the livestock sector.
Earlier this year, roughly 150 government and industry leaders from across North America gathered at the African swine fever Forum, hosted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, to discuss working together to prevent the entry and mitigate the impacts of ASF. At the meeting, the American Feed Industry Association discussed the industry's efforts on the four pillars for action on preparedness planning, enhanced biosecurity, ensuring business continuity and coordinated risk communications. The final report from this forum has now been published.
The American Feed Industry Association has launched a new member interest group (MIG) for plant managers that is designed to provide members with regulatory information specifically impacting animal feed facilities. If you are in any type of management position at your manufacturing facility ? or know of others within your company who are ? consider joining this MIG!
The American Feed Industry Association hosted a webinar on the Feed Facility of the Year (FFY) program this week that provided members with an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions.
As usual, it was a packed room to discuss feed ingredient definitions at the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) annual meeting this week in Louisville, Ky.
The land of horses and bourbon proved remarkable for the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) annual meeting in Louisville, Ky. The meeting kicked off this week with a workshop focused on the Food Safety Modernization Act. In combination with the meeting, the American Feed Industry Association's Feed Regulatory Committee (FRC) and Ingredient Approval and Definition Committee (IADC) also met, bringing together more than 140 industry members to discuss the latest state and federal regulatory activities.
On July 16, the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) hosted a meeting to explore what alternative approaches can be taken to fulfill the clinical investigation requirements needed for new animal drug applications. The meeting also provided the opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the process of new animal drug approvals ahead of the publication of CVM guidance, scheduled for later this fall.
The International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) is pleased to announce the launch of the IFIF e-learning course 'Good Production Practices in the Feed Industry', an online training programme based on the IFIF FAO Feed Manual of Good Practices for the Feed Industry, which focuses on increasing safety and feed quality at the production level.
AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman's remarks to the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration requested comments from stakeholders on its revised draft guidance on the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulations. This week, the American Feed Industry Association responded by praising the agency for its work to clarify questions from the animal food industry as well as discuss a few outstanding concerns the industry maintains with the administration of VFDs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently released data from a study that will be used to help animal health officials better understand how antimicrobial drugs are used on livestock farms.
As part of a meeting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold July 16 on fulfilling the clinical requirements on applications for new animal drugs, the agency said it will also briefly discuss how foreign studies can be used to support food additive petitions (FAP).
Preparedness planning, enhanced biosecurity, ensuring business continuity and coordinated risk communications are the four pillars of a coordinated framework for the prevention and control of African swine fever (ASF) that were discussed this week in Ottawa, Canada. Roughly 150 government and industry leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico gathered at the meeting, hosted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, to work together to prevent entry and mitigate the impacts of ASF in the Americas.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration issued a revised draft guidance for industry on how to initiate voluntary food recalls. The FDA is requesting comments by June 24, and all American Feed Industry Association members looking to have their voices heard should provide feedback to the AFIA legislative and regulatory staff by June 10.
On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration released its intent to create a "blueprint" for food safety with the goal of making food more traceable back to its original source. Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless and Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement on Tuesday that the plan would include important items such as traceability, emerging technologies, changing business models and the necessity for industry and consumers to work together toward a common goal of food safety.
In response to a citizen petition, the Food and Drug Administration withdrew three compliance policy guides (CGP) today that dictate how certain animal-derived food materials can be used in animal food. The FDA said the action will "clarify" for animal food manufacturers the agency's regulatory policies and expectations for the use of materials from dead or downer animals.
Register now to secure your spot in the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training! Hosted by the American Feed Industry Association, the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) for Animal Food training will take place from July 30 ? Aug. 1 in Nashville, Tenn. Attendees will receive a FSPCA PCQI certificate after completion of the course.
On March 26, the American Feed Industry Association's legislative and regulatory staff had a quarterly update call with Glenn Bass, the acting deputy director for the Human and Animal Food Program (West district) in the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). Bass shared the FDA's inspection goals for animal food facilities for fiscal 2019, which began Oct. 1, 2018, and runs through Sept. 30, 2019.
The International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF) has officially endorsed its first two guidance documents for the feed industry. The documents were developed after a year of hard work in bringing together stakeholders, including American Feed Industry Association members.
On March 26, the American Feed Industry Association's legislative and regulatory staff had a quarterly update call with Glenn Bass, the acting deputy director for the Human and Animal Food Program (West) in the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). Bass shared the FDA's inspection goals for animal food facilities for fiscal 2019, which began Oct. 1, 2018, and runs through Sept. 30, 2019.
The American Feed Industry Association's biannual print magazine, the AFIA Journal, keeps members, association friends and affiliates of AFIA up-to-date on organization, industry and government information. The spring 2019 AFIA Journal is now available in its eMagazine format!
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration issued a revised draft guidance for industry, "Veterinary Feed Directive Regulation Questions and Answers." The FDA is requesting comments on this guidance by May 28.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently released its "Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food," which outlines the agency's comprehensive approach toward ensuring the safety of imported food products.
Scott Gottlieb, the Food and Drug Administration's commissioner, announced this week that he is resigning from the administration, effective next month, citing personal reasons. Gottlieb took on many challenges in his time at the FDA, including identity standards for dairy products and regulations for cell-based meat. It is unknown what lays in store for Gottlieb.
In a surprise move this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled that it is doubling-down efforts to guard the country against African swine fever (ASF), which continues to spread across China, Vietnam and Europe in recent months.
The American Feed Industry Association has updated its biosecurity guidelines, providing new information on how viruses can potentially spread throughout the feed manufacturing process and recommendations on how feed and ingredient manufacturers can develop and implement biosecurity plans at their facilities to better safeguard their feed and feed ingredients.
The state legislative season is heating up with 45 states currently in session. The American Feed Industry Association is tracking bills of importance to the animal food industry as well as proposed changes to feed laws or regulations. This article provides an overview of bills currently being considered in Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and North Dakota.
Despite northern blizzards and the federal government shutdown hampering attendance at the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) mid-year meeting, spirited debate carried on.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) posted a "Dear Veterinarian" letter clarifying the agency's position on complying with the conditions of use for the drug tylosin phosphate in beef cattle.
Congress was set to fight over government funding last week, but decided to kick the can down the road until Dec. 21, when the short-term funding measure that is currently funding federal agencies will run out once again.
The American Feed Industry Association's Equine Committee met on Nov. 15 to discuss topics of importance to manufacturers of horse feed. The committee tackled a number of issues impacting the equine feed industry, including rendering of equine meat from horses humanely euthanized with barbiturates and efforts to minimize the risks of toxins in equine feed
The Association of American Feed Control Officials' midyear meeting is less than seven weeks away. The American Feed Industry Association staff are gearing up for that meeting, to be held Jan. 21-23, 2019, in Savannah, Ga., along with two other AFIA committee meetings, which have traditionally occurred in conjunction.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) convened a meeting of pet food industry stakeholders in Chicago last week to discuss the next steps to addressing the discovery of trace amounts of pentobarbital in finished pet foods. No pet illnesses have been linked to rendered products containing the compound, but the Food and Drug Administration maintains a zero tolerance for the drug in pet food.
On Oct. 18, the American Feed Industry Association's Board of Directors met in Arizona to discuss and review the association's business items and latest legislative and regulatory work. They also recognized Richard Sellers, AFIA's senior vice president of public policy and education, who will be retiring Dec. 31.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently published a draft guidance that details its intentions for announcing the retail locations where recalled human or animal food products have been distributed during recalls.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently published a draft guidance that details its intentions for announcing the retail locations where recalled human or animal food products have been distributed during recalls.
Last week, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) brought state commissioners, secretaries, and directors of agriculture, as well as a variety of federal and industry stakeholders, together to discuss and set agriculture policy for the upcoming year.
On June 4, Leah Wilkinson, the American Feed Industry Association's vice president of public policy and education, participated in the Feed Advisory Committee meeting for Washington state. Listed below are several important items the committee discussed, which commercial feed and pet food manufacturers located in and distributing into the state may want to note.
Wisconsin's 2018-19 biennial budget made statutory changes to the commercial feed tonnage and inspection fees. These changes are effective with reporting of the calendar year 2018 distributions; paperwork to be completed early in 2019. Changes that took effect 1/1/18:
The state legislative season is starting to slow down with only 23 states still in session. The American Feed Industry Association is tracking bills of importance to the animal food industry, as well as proposed changes to feed laws or regulations. This article provides an overview of bills currently being considered in South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Food and Drug Administration issued an order Tuesday requiring Las Vegas-based Triangle Pharmanaturals to recall food products with the herb kratom after several products were found to contain Salmonella. The company refused to cooperate with the FDA after it requested a voluntary recall late last month.
The state legislative season is starting to slow down with only 20 states still in session. The American Feed Industry Association is tracking bills of importance to the animal food industry, as well as proposed changes to feed laws or regulations. This article provides an overview of bills currently being considered in Michigan and Tennessee.