Which government entity regulates the use of feed additives?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the use of feed additives in livestock. This regulatory role is crucial because feed additives can have significant impacts on animal health, food safety, and public health. The FDA ensures that any feed additive used in animal nutrition is safe for the animals and the humans who consume products derived from those animals.

The FDA evaluates the safety and efficacy of feed additives, which includes determining that they do not pose a risk to animal health and that they meet specific criteria before being approved for use. This oversight helps maintain responsible and safe feeding practices within the livestock industry, which is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of food supplies.

Other entities involved in agriculture and public health, such as the USDA, CDC, and EPA, have different primary responsibilities. The USDA focuses on agricultural practices, including meat and poultry inspection but does not specifically regulate feed additives. The CDC addresses public health issues and monitoring diseases but does not regulate animal feed directly. The EPA oversees environmental protection regulations but does not have jurisdiction over livestock feed additives. Therefore, the role of the FDA is pivotal in regulating feed additives for livestock.