Recent introductions of freeze-dried cat treats focus on the wholesome, all-natural attributes of the foods they contain. Most commonly, these dehydrated treats consist of fish-like salmon, tuna, mahi mahi and others. Banking on recent consumer worries regarding pet food safety, nearly every label contains the words, “FDA Approved Ingredients.”

But what exactly does the FDA’s stamp of approval mean? Reading between the lines on these and other treats and foods helps retailers make more informed decisions on which products to stock and recommend to their consumers.

FDA approval conjures images of white lab coats and definitive scientific efforts to prove the safety and efficacy of the foods and drugs pets and their owners consume. But, by the government’s own words, their approval of food items isn’t nearly as scientific as many would have the public believe.

“It is never a drug or other product that is approved or not approved, but a claim about the use of the drug or product,” states the agency’s website. In fact, the agency makes it clear that anyone (including retailers, manufacturers and consumers) with knowledge of harm caused by a previously approved product, has an obligation to report the incident, promptly.

Though FDA approval of treat items is far from a definitive stamp of safety, there are some basic safety measures that must be met, before food ingredients and other products can be approved by the FDA.

Food ingredients are often rejected for approval by the agency for various reasons, including:

• Insufficient evidence to support the claim.
• Health risks are considered unacceptable when the ingredients are consumed.
• The FDA and the sponsor cannot come to an agreement about the scope or wording of the claims made in the marketing of the ingredient(s).

In the case of pet treat items, FDA approval is more of a marketing tool than a definitive assurance of food safety. <HOME>