Feline Nutrition
FDA CVM
by Kathy Fatheree
You probably know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated drugs and medical devices for humans, but did you know that they also regulate drugs, medical devices and food for animals? This division is called the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Their web site states that “CVM is responsible for regulating drugs, devices, and food additives given to, or used on, over one hundred million companion animals, plus millions of poultry, cattle, swine, and minor animal species. (Minor animal species include animals other than cattle, swine, chickens, turkeys, horses, dogs, and cats.)”
The CVM also works in partnership with AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). In fact an CVM representative serves on the AAFCO Board of Directors. While the CVM does actively take steps to protect our pets, they are understaffed as indicated by this statement from the CVM “We believe that continued partnership with AAFCO is vital to the effective regulation of pet food products because FDA has limited enforcement resources that are focused on human food safety issues.”
The CVM posts pet food recall notices on their web site, however, most pet owners are not aware of these recalls. After reading some of what the CVM considers safe for livestock feed, I wonder what they consider safe for our pets? In the following weeks, we will explore pet food ingredients and what the labeling means.
On the Net:
FDA CVM
CVM Pet Food Information and Recalls
AAFCO
Disclaimer: Kathy Fatheree is not at all a medical expert. Contents of this web site are a collection of Kathy’s assist feeding experiences as well as the experiences of other cat owners who have assist fed their cats. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Kathy Fatheree or anyone associated with this web site cannot be held responsible for anything that may happen as a result of using the information on this site.