Feed Industry Can Expect Regulatory Shifts, New Priorities With Biden Administration

Tucker, GA – Feb. 1, 2021 – The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) hosted its annual Feed Education Program last week, covering 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.

“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,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs.

“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.”

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.”

The 2022 AFIA Feed Education Program will take place Jan. 26 in Atlanta, Ga., during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). For more information, visit afia.org/events.

ABOUT IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).

ABOUT AFIA
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization’s membership is comprised of nearly 700 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry—manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA’s members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-whole grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

ABOUT NAMI
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. NAMI’s mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute’s members produce the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry and the equipment, ingredients and services needed for the highest quality products.

ABOUT USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

Related Articles:

Sign up here to have Grain E-news delivered every Thursday to your inbox.

Grain Talk Podcast: Iowa State's Dirk Maier Previews GEAPS Presentation on Global Post-Harvest Grain Storage Challenges

September/October 2020 Grain Journal Facility Features