ARLINGTON, VA. — The decision made in early February to remove a regulatory policy on feed products is an important step toward development of safe, novel feed ingredients, said the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA).

The Center for Veterinary Medicine of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked a 25-year-old policy that prevented animal food manufacturers from making production claims on their labels unless they go through the FDA’s drug approval process. That process could take more than 10 years, said David Fairfield, senior vice president of feed for the NGFA.

“The decision announced by the FDA today will promote the introduction of innovative animal food products with production benefits that will help keep American agriculture competitive,” he said. “Notably, our global competitors in Europe, Asia and South America already have updated their policies to allow feed products on the market that demonstrate increased efficiency in meat production as well as byproduct and waste reduction.

“We continue to encourage Congress to pass the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act (H.R.6687 and S. 1842), which would establish legislative language for a new category of animal food additives that could improve animal production and well-being, diminish pre-harvest food safety concerns, and boost sustainability opportunities.”