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        Animal Food & Feeds

Biological, Chemical, and Physical Contaminants in Animal Food

                        
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          Biological, Chemical, and Physical Contaminants in Animal FoodAnimal Food & Feeds Biological, Chemical, and Physical Contaminants in Animal Food
  	
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Food fed to animals may contain various biological, chemical or physical contaminants. These may occur naturally like mycotoxins and bacteria or get accidentally (or intentionally) introduced during the manufacturing process.

CVM continually monitors animal food, including pet food, through its Animal Food Contaminants Program. In addition, CVM may also issue assignments to monitor a specific industry, product, or contaminant, as needed. Information on assignments can be found on the individual contaminant webpage.

For some contaminants, any detectable level in the food is prohibited; for others, regulatory limits have been established by the EPA or FDA. Following the detection of any contaminant, CVM’s action is based on the protection of public health, the extent to which the presence of the contaminant cannot be avoided, and other ways in which the consumer may be affected by the contaminant. Information on regulatory limits can be found on the individual contaminant webpages. For information on compliance and enforcement actions, including recalls, related to CVM regulated products, go to Compliance & Enforcement and Recalls & Withdrawals.

Guidance

7371.003 Animal Feed Contaminants Program—Guidance Manual (withdrawn, pending revision)
	GFI #245 Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for AnimalsAdditional Information

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
	Food Safety Modernization Act and Animal Food
	CVM Safe Feed
	CFSAN Foodborne Pathogens (Human Food)
	CFSAN Chemical Contaminants (Human Food)
	CDC
	Warning Letters – FDA

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      01/19/2024Biological, Chemical, and Physical Contaminants in Animal Food                
                          

                        Biological Hazards
          Chemical Hazards
          Physical Hazards
 
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