As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed extensive regulations governing the use of spent grain for animal feed. As outlined in a statement by the Brewers Association (BA), the current rule proposal represents an unwarranted burden for all brewers. In support of brewers in their states and across the country, U.S. Senators Collins (R-ME), King (I-ME), Udall (D-CO) and others are urging changes to the proposed ruling.

In a March 31 press release, Maine Senators Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I) announced that they have reached out in regard to the proposed ruling to, “urge the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider the economic effect of regulating so-called ‘spent grains’ when crafting a final rule to protect our nation’s food supply.” Eleven of their Senate colleagues have joined them in signing the letter including: Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

In a separate announcement, U.S. Senator Mark Udall of Colorado also expressed his support of local brewers and ranchers stating that “the FDA needs to ensure our food supply remains safe, but its new proposed rule may unjustifiably hurt Colorado’s brewers and farmers.”

If enacted, the ruling would affect thousands of breweries across the U.S. The BA thanks Senators Collins, King, Udall, and the others who have signed on to support the small brewers. With the assistance of brewers and farmers, the BA has submitted comments on the proposed ruling and asks the FDA to conduct a risk assessment of the use of spent brewers’ grain by farmers prior to imposing expensive new regulations and controls. The BA will continue to monitor and report on this situation as it unfolds.