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Updated guidance on advertising non-medicinal veterinary products
"Many businesses have asked us for more detail on what they can and cannot claim when advertising these kinds of products" - Lee Grist, VMD.

“We want to support businesses to operate in full compliance of the law” - VMD. 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published updated guidance to support vets with advertising non-medicinal veterinary products.

The guidance is for anyone who makes, advertises, sells or supplies products for use in or near animals in the UK, including feeds, supplements, topical hygiene products, bedding and behavioural products.

It has been developed in response to stakeholder queries and addresses common issues the regulator has identified in how businesses interpret the existing rules. The VMD states that it has received more than 400 reports relating to unauthorised medical claims in the last year.

The guidance covers:
    •    What counts as a veterinary medicine under UK law
    •    The difference between products that are ‘medicinal by presentation’ and ‘medicinal by function’
    •    What businesses can and cannot claim for non-medicinal products
    •    Rules for health maintenance claims
    •    How testimonials, reviews and educational materials must be handled
    •    Specific rules for different product types.

Lee Grist, head of inspections and enforcement at the VMD, said: “We want to support businesses to operate in full compliance of the law. This guidance provides clear, practical advice to help manufacturers, retailers and other suppliers understand their legal obligations when advertising non-medicinal veterinary products.

“Many businesses have asked us for more detail on what they can and cannot claim when advertising these kinds of products. This guidance responds to those requests and will help protect both businesses and animal health by ensuring products are properly presented to end consumers.”

Image (C) New Africa/Shutterstock.com.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.