AFIA outlines 2026 regulatory outlook for the EPA, FDA and OSHA

Industry stakeholders received key updates this month from the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)  The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) gave updates on what is happening at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). These updates highlight ongoing regulatory developments, inspection trends and emerging priorities that feed manufacturers and related businesses should be aware of as they plan compliance and operational strategies for the year ahead.

FDA inspections and regulatory engagement

Leah Wilkinson, AFIA’s chief policy officer, provided an overview of recent FDA inspection activity and regulatory engagement during the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) meeting. The FDA presence was notably strong, with nearly 40 officials attending, marking a significant increase in inspection and oversight efforts.

Wilkinson said, “We had 36 to 39 FDA attendees at the meeting — their presence was in force. It’s clear they are ramping up inspections and engagement with the feed industry.” She encouraged industry members to use FDA’s public dashboards to stay informed: “If you haven’t explored the FDA inspection dashboards, I highly recommend it. There’s a wealth of information available that can help you prepare and understand inspection trends.”

Key points from AFIA’s update include:

• FDA maintains a public dashboard with detailed inspection data, accessible for industry review.
• Recent FDA inspections have focused on feed manufacturing compliance, with emphasis on record-keeping and ingredient traceability.
• AFIA facilitates dialogue between feed manufacturers, AAFCO, and FDA to clarify regulatory expectations and share best practices.
• Industry members are encouraged to utilize FDA’s online resources to stay informed on inspection outcomes and trends.

Wilkinson emphasized, “Proactive compliance and open communication with regulators reduce risks during inspections and help maintain smooth operations.”

OSHA's workplace safety priorities and proposed standards

Louise Calderwood, AFIA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, presented OSHA’s current regulatory landscape for the feed industry, noting positive trends alongside emerging challenges.

Calderwood reported, “Over the past three years, injury rates and lost-time accidents in feed facilities have improved. That’s a testament to the industry’s commitment to safety.” She also highlighted OSHA’s proposed heat injury and illness standard, explaining, “This would require facilities to develop written heat illness prevention plans, conduct training for employees and supervisors, and maintain records. It’s a significant step toward protecting workers from heat-related risks nationwide.”

Key highlights from OSHA’s update include:

• Injury rates and lost-time accidents in feed facilities have improved over the past three years.
• OSHA’s proposed national heat injury and illness standard would require:
  • Written heat illness prevention plans.
  • Training for employees and supervisors initially and annually.
  • Response protocols for heat-related incidents.
  • Recordkeeping of heat illness evaluations and incidents.
  • Acclimatization periods for new or returning workers.
• The standard would expand protections beyond the three states that currently have heat illness regulations.
• OSHA is monitoring other potential rulemakings relevant to the feed industry.

Calderwood added, “While OSHA has been relatively quiet lately, these developments indicate a shift toward stronger worker protections, especially as climate risks grow.”

EPA's deregulatory efforts and environmental compliance focus

Christian Richter, principal of The Policy Group, briefed attendees on EPA’s regulatory priorities, emphasizing the agency’s deregulatory agenda and its implications for the feed and agriculture sectors.

Richter noted, “EPA continues to focus on reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining environmental protections. Their goal is to balance economic feasibility with responsible stewardship.” He added, “Feed manufacturers should expect updates related to waste management and emissions, and it’s crucial to stay engaged with EPA’s rulemaking process.”

Key takeaways from the EPA briefing include:

• EPA is advancing deregulatory efforts to streamline regulations and reduce administrative burdens.
• Focus areas include revising environmental standards, enhancing transparency and addressing emerging concerns without unnecessary constraints.
• Feed manufacturers should anticipate ongoing updates to compliance requirements.
• Active communication and participation in public comment periods are essential for industry influence.

Richter emphasized, “Strategic advocacy and informed engagement are key to shaping regulations that reflect the realities of feed manufacturing operations.”

What this means for feed manufacturers

Together, these updates about the FDA, OSHA and EPA underscore the evolving regulatory landscape impacting feed manufacturing and associated sectors. Operators should consider the following actions:

• Stay informed: Regularly review FDA inspection dashboards and EPA rulemaking notices.
• Enhance compliance programs: Update safety protocols to include heat illness prevention and prepare for increased OSHA scrutiny.
• Engage proactively: Participate in industry forums and regulatory consultations to influence policy development.
• Train staff: Ensure employees and supervisors receive up-to-date training on safety and regulatory requirements.
• Document thoroughly: Maintain detailed records to demonstrate compliance during inspections and audits.