Thai Department of Livestock Development Seeks Public Comments on Pet Food Regulation Proposals

This article reports on the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) under Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives conducting public consultations on two draft pet food-related notifications. Public Consultation Overview and Deadline The DLD is conducting public consultations on two pet food-related draft notifications with a deadline of August 25. These notifications aim to strengthen regulations and ensure safety in Thailand's pet food industry, representing significant revisions to existing regulatory content. First Draft Notification: Specific Controlled Feed Requiring Facility Certification The first draft notification "Specific Controlled Feed Requiring Facility Certification Type: Dog and Cat Pet Food and Specific Controlled Feed for Dogs and Cats" significantly expands the scope of current regulations. The current notification covers three types requiring facility certification: products using specific bovine parts due to BSE risk concerns, animal bone-derived mineral supplements, and dog and cat treats using specific animal parts. Expanded Regulatory Scope and New Classifications The new draft notification reorganizes regulatory targets into three categories: dog and cat pet food containing animal-derived ingredients (complete nutrition food, treats, therapeutic food), dog and cat supplements containing terrestrial animal-derived ingredients, and dairy products for dogs and cats. This brings a broader range of pet food products under facility certification requirements. Exception Provisions and Grace Periods However, among dog and cat pet food containing animal-derived ingredients and dog and cat supplements containing terrestrial animal-derived ingredients, facility certification is not required for aquatic animal-derived additives, flavoring agents (flavors, not limited to aquatic animal-derived), and supplements (not limited to aquatic animal-derived). Implementation is 90 days after official gazette publication, with facilities registered before the implementation date receiving a five-year grace period from the day following the official gazette publication of this notification. Second Draft Notification: Import Conditions for Avian Influenza Risk Response The second draft notification "Principles and Conditions for Importing Feed Derived from Poultry or Feed Containing Poultry-Derived Ingredients or Products with Avian Influenza Risk" adds Virtual Audit methods recognized by Thailand's DLD to the facility certification methods specified in the current notification. This change formally recognizes online inspection methods in addition to physical on-site inspections, with implementation from the day following official gazette publication. The article concludes that these regulatory revisions aim to strengthen safety standards in Thailand's pet food market and respond to international hygiene management standards, representing important changes that will significantly impact related industries.