WASHINGTON, DC — On Feb. 15, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Pet Food Institute (PFI) commended the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its appointment of Robert Califf, Ph.D., as commissioner. The United States Senate confirmed the appointment on Feb. 15, with a final vote of 50-46.

“We congratulate Dr. Califf for being confirmed to serve as head of the FDA, an agency that has been pivotal in the timely and safe review of drugs and vaccines to end the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure a safe, stable food supply,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer, AFIA. “Our industry has been grappling with regulations that have not kept pace with modern science on animal nutrition, sidelining innovative feed ingredients that could help livestock fully reach their genetic potential and America to achieve its climate goals. This issue is starting to draw the ire of lawmakers, as it has put US animal food products at a competitive disadvantage globally, and we hope is one in which we can work together with Dr. Califf and his staff.”

Robert Califf, Ph.D., commissioner of the US FDA. (Source: AFIA)

PFI also noted the importance of the FDA taking a science-based approach to food safety and to COVID-19 under Califf’s direction.

“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,” said Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer, PFI. “This means that the FDA is an important partner to pet food makers, particularly as the agency continues surveillance and compliance efforts under the Food Safety Modernization Act. We urge the FDA to work with its stakeholders and maintain the application of sound and science-driven policies, while ensuring the food is safe for pets.”

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