FDA Proposes Information Collection on Pet Event Tracking Network

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has solicited feedback on a proposed information collection related to the Pet Event Tracking Network (PETNet). PETNet would allow state and federal regulators “to quickly and effectively exchange information about outbreaks of illness in companion animals associated with pet food.” FDA has envisioned the voluntary system as a “secure, Internet-based network” that would provide a platform for members to receive and create alerts about pet food incidents. According to the agency, “The information will be used to help State and Federal regulators determine how best to use inspectional and other resources to either prevent or quickly limit the adverse events caused by adulterated pet food.”

FDA has anticipated that each participating state would report via PETNet approximately 10 times per year. “[G]iven that the form only has 11 items and most are drop down fields, 20 minutes is a sufficient amount of time to complete the form,” states FDA, which has requested comments by September 27, 2010. See Federal Register, July 27, 2010.