FDA delays final rule on animal feed

Rockville, Md.

-- FDA plans to delay implementation of its so-called BSE rule, which identifies substances prohibited for use in animal food or feed.

Scheduled to take effect on April 27, the agency needs another 60 days to publish the final rule entitled, "Substances Prohibited from Use in Animal Food or Feed." The new implementation date is June 26, 2009, the agency reports in a prepared statement.

"The agency is taking this action in response to comments from affected parties expressing concerns about their ability to fully comply with the rule by the April 27, 2009 effective date. In addition, some affected parties are finding it difficult to identify appropriate alternate ways of disposing of material that may no longer be rendered for animal feed use once the rule takes effect," FDA reports.

The FDA is also providing seven days for public comment solely on the question of whether to delay the effective date. Comments must be submitted within seven days of publication in the Federal Register.

Interested persons may submit written comments on or before April 16, 2009 to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Electronic comments may be submitted to www.regulations.gov. Identify all submissions to the docket with the following docket number: FDA-2002-N-0031 (formerly Docket No. 2002N-0273).

Questions may be directed to Burt Pritchett, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-22), FDA, 7519 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, 240-453-6860, burt.pritchett@fda.hhs.gov.