S. 1906: Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2025

The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2025 aims to amend existing legislation governing animal food substances in the U.S., particularly focusing on "zootechnical animal food substances." Here’s a breakdown of the key points of the bill:

Definition of Zootechnical Animal Food Substance

The bill defines "zootechnical animal food substance" as a substance added to animal feed or drinking water intended to:

• Influence the byproducts of digestion in animals.
• Reduce foodborne pathogens in animals raised for food.
• Alter the structure or function of the animal’s body by changing its gut microbiome.

This definition specifies that these substances achieve their effects only within the gastrointestinal tract of the animal and are not intended for use in diagnosing or treating diseases.

Exclusions from the Definition

The bill clarifies that certain substances are not considered zootechnical animal food substances, including:

• Substances for diagnosing or preventing disease in animals.
• Hormones.
• Active ingredients in drugs already subject to various approval processes.
• Ionophores.

Regulation and Approval Process

The bill amends the approval process for zootechnical animal food substances by introducing specific requirements for petitions made for their inclusion as food additives. These requirements include:

• Providing relevant data on the expected effects of the substance and the quantities needed.
• Submitting full reports of investigations regarding the intended use of the substance.

Once a petition is submitted, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may establish regulations for safe use, including necessary labeling and usage conditions.

Labeling Requirements

The bill mandates that the labeling for zootechnical animal food substances include a statement indicating that the substance is not for diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases. Furthermore, it may include information on the intended effects on animal body function, as specified in the bill's definition.

Provisions for Misbranding

It also establishes that any food product containing a zootechnical animal food substance will be considered misbranded if it does not include the required statement on its label.

Authority Limitations

The bill explicitly states that it does not give the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to mandate the use of any zootechnical food substance or additive.

Relevant Companies

None found.