Consultation on Appendix E-2: Viable microbial products (VMPs)

From: Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

An addition to the guidance document on classification of veterinary drugs and livestock feeds

We were seeking your feedback on the Appendix E-2: Viable microbial products (VMPs), which when finalized will be included in the Guidance document on classification of veterinary drugs and livestock feeds.

The reason for this consultation is to let stakeholders know about the proposed appendix and to get more feedback before including it in the main guidance document. The purpose of this Appendix is to provide guidance on the proposed criteria for the classification of products containing viable microorganisms for livestock species and their associated claims.  VMPs are fed to livestock as a source of viable cells whose main purpose in the diet is to have beneficial effects in target livestock species.

Who was the focus of this consultation

The Government of Canada engaged with:

• pharmaceutical companies
• livestock feed manufacturers
• food producers
• producer association groups
• veterinary associations
• other government agencies

Key questions for discussion

1. Do you have comments on the proposed classification scheme for viable microbial products (VMPs) as veterinary drugs or livestock feeds?
2. Are there any classification criteria that have not been adequately addressed in the Appendix E-2: Viable Microbial Products (VMPs)?

Goals of the consultation

The goal of the consultation is to get feedback on Appendix E-2: Viable microbial products (VMPs) and to ensure stakeholders' needs are met. Health Canada and the CFIA will carefully review all feedback received from the consultation and will revise the Appendix. The updated final Guidance document on classification of veterinary drugs and livestock feeds will be published on Canada.ca in the Veterinary Drugs section.

Contact us

Veterinary Drugs Directorate
Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
Ground Floor, Suite 14 - Holland Cross Complex
11 Holland Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Postal Locator 3000A
Email: hc.consultationvdd-dmv.sc@canada.ca