FDA Seeks Public Comment on Pet Food Safety

New law that establishes pet food safety standards needs input to initiate the changes.

Posted: January 9, 2008, 5 a.m. EST

The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) established pet food safety standards and called for an early warning system that identifies pet food contamination. The new standards must be implemented within two years, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking input as it implements the changes.

A public meeting will take place in early 2008 in the Rockville, Md., area, however the exact date is to be determined. A docket is set up on the FDA’s website to receive electronic, public comments in advance of the meeting. The docket number is 2007N-0487. Written comments may be mailed to:

Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

The FDA is seeking input from veterinary medical associations, animal health organizations, pet food manufacturers, and the Association of American Feed Control Officials, among others. The new law requires that the FDA solicit feedback from these groups prior to making changes, however individual consumers may submit comments as well.

After the public meeting, the FDA will review all comments before initiating the new standards. Public comments may be viewed online via the FDA’s website.