USDA Will Not Recognize Third-Party Inspections Regarding Animal Welfare

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will not establish new criteria for recognizing third-party inspection and certification programs when determining the Agency’s own inspection frequency under the Animal Welfare Act. USDA says stakeholders on all sides of the issue expressed concern about APHIS’ ability to maintain responsibility for inspections and Animal Welfare Act compliance should third-party inspections be taken into account when determining APHIS inspection frequencies.