The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a delay in the implementation of the final rule entitled, "Substances Prohibited from Use in Animal Food or Feed," more commonly referred to as the 2008 BSE final rule. The rule prohibits the use of high-risk cattle material in feed for all animal species.

The final rule, which would have gone into effect on April 27, 2009, is now delayed 60 days to June 26, 2009. The agency is taking this action in response to comments from affected parties expressing concerns about their ability to fully comply with the rule by the April 27, 2009 effective date.

The FDA is also providing seven days for public comment solely on the question of whether to delay the effective date.

Interested persons may submit written comments on or before April 16, 2009, to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

For additional information, contact information to leave comments or to read related articles, link to the American Meat Institute.