Days after reaching out to veterinarians and consumers for help in an investigation into potentially fatal jerky treats, the FDA announced that they would begin establishing safeguards for pet foods. While the FDA already has safeguards in place to protect human foods, the agency had not established manufacturing guidelines for pet foods.

The rules will require manufacturing facilities to follow specific sanitation guidelines, and will also require facilities to put plans in place to correct any issues. In a statement, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg said that the new rules "address a critical part of the food system," and added that the agency will continue to work with its partners to continue efforts to prevent pet foodborne illness.