US Senate confirms Robert Califf as FDA Commissioner
The Pet Food Institute asks the new head of the Food and Drug Administration to work closely with the industry to ensure safe animal products.
Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the institute, highlighted the importance of the federal agency in taking a science-based approach to pet food safety under Califf’s oversight.
“Food safety is the top priority for PFI members as they work to provide complete and balanced nutrition for pets in the United States and around the world,” she said.
Brooks also commented that the federal agency is “an important partner” to pet food players particularly in the surveillance and compliance under the so-called Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), a law that aims to ensure the safety of both human and animal food supply.
“We urge FDA to work with its stakeholders and maintain the application of sound and science-driven policies, while ensuring the food is safe for pets.”
The FDA regulates the manufacture of cat and dog food and treats or snacks. Although there is no requirement for pet food products to have pre-market approval by the government, there are two laws regulating the labeling of pet food products.
Califf’s appointment to the position marks his second time heading the agency, which he also led during the final year of Barack Obama’s administration. He is expected to be sworn in later this week.
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