Source: Julie Larson Bricher, MEATINGPLACE, 8/13/19


The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is soliciting public comment  on current industry practices regarding transit times to slaughter for food-producing animals, milking frequency, and interpretation of a zero-day withdrawal period or zero-day milk discard time by end users.

The agency noted in its announcement that the animal agriculture industry has undergone significant changes since the 1980s when current assumptions about transit time to slaughter and milking frequency were formulated.

While the number of drug residue violations detected by USDA at slaughter has been on a downward trend since 2013, FDA stated that it is seeking information about current industry practices and the end user’s interpretation of labeling statements with an eye toward updating its procedures. 

The agency is requesting public input on:
1. Industry practices regarding how long it takes to transport certain food-producing animals from production facilities to slaughter facilities.
2. How frequently dairy animals are milked.
3. How end users, such as animal producers or veterinarians, interpret animal drug labeling that states the drug has a “zero-day withdrawal period” or “zero-day milk discard time,” which are terms that indicate that an animal’s meat or milk is allowed to enter the food chain regardless of how much time has passed since the animal was last given the drug.
Individuals with direct knowledge of current industry practices associated with these key issues are invited to comment, noted the agency in the Federal Register announcement. Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 8.

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