Current Status of FSMA

Pet food and treat makers in the United States are subject to Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulation under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). In 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which is the most sweeping reform of U.S. food safety laws in more than 70 years, was signed into law. FDA has promulgated seven different rules under FSMA, including one specific to animal food safety. Here is the current status of FSMA:

FDA is now carrying out compliance and enforcement activities under the FSMA Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food rule. This means that all pet food and treat makers are required to demonstrate compliance with all applicable requirements under the rule.

The FDA, which had previously inspected facilities to guard against adulteration or misbranded products under the FD&C Act, now has the authority under FSMA to inspect pet food and treat facilities to confirm they have implemented, and documented their adherence to, the applicable required Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis provisions, which are designed to prevent the causes of foodborne illness.

The Hazard Analysis provisions, which include preventive controls language, require pet food and treat makers to identify and evaluate potential safety hazards that may occur throughout the manufacturing process, whether those hazards could occur naturally or are unintentionally introduced, and to implement preventive measures to mitigate appropriate hazards.

PFI and its members place the highest importance on product safety and PFI is working to ensure all pet food and treat makers, not just our members, understand their obligations under FSMA. Click here to read an open letter to U.S. pet food and treat makers urging them to understand and prepare for their responsibilities under FSMA.