The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday it would publish a proposed rule on food adulteration and terrorism, but will exempt animal and pet feed as part of its implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

The rule, "Focused Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food against Intentional Adulteration," would require registered domestic and foreign food facilities to address hazards that may be intentionally introduced by acts of terrorism.

It is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Tuesday. FDA plans to host a public comment meeting in College Park, Md., on February 20 and will accept comments on it through March 31.

The American Feed Industry Association said it was the group's understanding that animal and pet food will be exempt because of the significantly reduced risk of causing intentional harm to human health.

Leah Wilkinson, American Feed Industry Association's director of ingredients, pet food and state affairs, said "AFIA agrees with FDA's conclusion and will work with our members to provide comments on this proposed rule."

–the Hagstrom Report