Biological, Chemical, and Physical Contaminants in Animal Food

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 Feed 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• 7371.003 Animal Feed Contaminants Program—Guidance Manual (withdrawn, pending revision)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 Animals

Additional 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