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  1. CVM Updates

Resources for Animal Food Producers in Gulf Coast Affected by Hurricane Sally

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September 15, 2020

As Hurricane Sally approaches the Gulf Coast of the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine reminds those who may be affected by storm waters about resources available for animal food producers who may be harvesting, mixing, storing or distributing grains and other foods for animals.

The FDA reminds harvesters that crops harvested from flooded fields are often unacceptable because of contamination. Flood waters, which are different from pooled rain water, may contain sewage, pathogenic organisms, pesticides, chemical wastes, or other toxic substances. Mold growth is another serious concern for flood impacted crops intended for use in animal food. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which are toxic to certain animals and people.

For more information, see Crops Harvested from Flooded Fields Intended for Animal Food: Questions and Answers.

Sometimes, crops that have been harvested and then subsequently deemed unsuitable for human use can be salvaged for animal food. The FDA will work with producers to consider requests to recondition an adulterated crop into animal food on a case-by-case basis. FDA’s compliance guide (CPG 675.200) provides a step-by-step process for reconditioning requests. Those requests should be directed to the following individuals in the relevant FDA field office. This notice will be updated if states in other districts are also affected.

For contamination events occurring in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee: 

For contamination events occurring in Georgia, North Carolina or South Carolina: 

For contamination events occurring in Florida:

Additionally, your state’s Department of Agriculture may have state-specific requirements regarding any attempt to clean, process, test, and sell/use crops in animal food. FDA will also continue working with USDA, state partners, and associations on broader questions that may arise about crops for animal food.

For more information:

Issued by FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine.
For questions, Contact CVM.

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