The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Regulation of Pet Food: Complying with FDA's Rules for the Marketing and Sale of Dog and Cat Food

Overview:

This webinar is intended for Pet Food Industry Representatives, Manufacturers, Regulatory Affairs Professionals, Managers, Consultants, Scientists, Research Analysts, Market Watchers, and Investment Analysts seeking an understanding of how pet food is regulated in the United States.

Pet food is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ("FDCA") which defines food as "articles used for food or drink for man or other animals, chewing gum, and articles used for components of any such article." Thus, pet food squarely falls under FDA's regulatory jurisdiction. In addition to FDA, pet food is also regulated by the various individual states to some extent.

This webinar will focus on FDA rules governing product development and formulation, manufacturing, facility inspections, labeling and promotion, and recalls. Considerable attention will also be devoted to a discussion of the recently enacted Food Safety Modernization Act ("FSMA") and where the FDA is in the process of implementing its requirements and publishing-related guidance documents.

The presenter will also provide an overview of recent regulatory trends and potential enforcement risks in the market today. This will include an introduction to several safety issues impacting the industry that have come up over the last few years including problems with Chicken Jerky Treats and the widespread contamination of pet food with melamine.

Why you should Attend:

• Obtain a basic understanding of the FDA's regulation of pet food in the United States
• Learn what FDA requires to appear on the label of a pet food product
• Identify potential risks involved with the marketing and promotion of pet food products
• Become familiar with the process by which a new ingredient can be approved or accepted for use in pet food
• Understand the role of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) in the development, formulation, and labeling of pet food and feed products
• Gain an understanding of the FDA's regulation of veterinary dietary supplements and nutraceuticals in the U.S

Areas Covered in the Session:

• FDA's regulation of pet food products including the rules covering product formulation, manufacturing, labeling, and promotion
• The required elements of a pet food label
• The options for introducing a new ingredient or feed additive to the market
• The differences between the Pre-Market Clearance Process, the Food Additive Petition Process, and the process for having an ingredient deemed Generally Recognized As Safe ("GRAS")
• Update on the status of the Proposed GRAS Self-Affirmation Notification Program
• A summary of FDA's recent enforcement activity in the area and recent trends and areas of particular enforcement risks
• What is veterinary dietary supplements/nutraceutical and how they are regulated by FDA
• A brief introduction to the animal drug approval process

Who Will Benefit:

• Pet Food Industry Representatives, Regulatory Affairs Professionals, Managers, Consultants, Scientists, Research Analysts, State Department of Agriculture Officials, Investment Analysts, and Venture Capitalists
• Others including Pet Food Formulators, Manufacturers, Labelers,s and Retailers. Foreign Manufacturers, Importers / Exporters, and Ingredient Producers will also benefit from attending the presentation
• Financial analysts and investors focusing on the pet, pet food, animal health, and companion animal industries will benefit