US feed industry can expect regulatory shifts

The IFIF training has real impacts for participants who can apply their new feed safety skills in across Ghana. Photo: Joris Telders

On the 28th of January, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) hosted its annual Feed Education Program.

More than 260 participants from the feed industry attended the online edition of the annual Feed Education Program of AFIA. In the webinar several experts shared their insights on what the animal food industry can expect on food and worker safety from U.S. federal agencies in 2021 and what to look out for when improving biosecurity at feed facilities.

Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs: “More than 260 feed industry personnel joined us in learning what is coming down the pike from a new administration and how it could affect our businesses. We know for sure that there will be coronavirus-related safety protections heading our way from OSHA, such as a potential Emergency Temporary Standard, in addition to increased inspections and enforcement.”

Water is the number one area to look at when improving biosecurity in a feed facility.”

The program discussed upcoming priorities for the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration; the Food and Drug Administration’s inspection plans for 2021; educational opportunities from the AFIA; an update on the AFIA’s Feed Facility of the Year program; and the latest food safety and biosecurity practices for feed facilities.

“Water is the number one area to look at when improving biosecurity in a feed facility,” said Richard Obermeyer, Aviagen’s director of feed production. “Standing water is a bacterial reservoir and a major fomite for viruses and salmonella. Getting rid of any possible water spots is a must.”