Any claims that are made with respect to the performance of a particular feed or fertilizer must be valid and the purpose of the inclusion of drugs in feeds, pesticides in fertilizers or other special purpose additives in either feed or fertilizer must be stated in the registration and on the labeling of products. The safety and/or efficacy of the products must have been proven when used in accordance with directions which must also appear on the labeling. The levels of additive required to perform the purpose claimed must be present at all times.

In some cases, label warnings concerning misuse are required for the protection of users. In these instances, many technical questions arise. The Control Service is fortunate to be a part of a land grant university, thus having immediate access to a variety of knowledge through contacts with specialists in the fields of veterinary medicine, animal science and soil and crop sciences and others. When it becomes necessary to render a decision with respect to the acceptability of registration of a product which through its labeling claims to be effective for certain specific purposes, the Service has at its disposal technical representatives appointed by the Director to assist in determining whether the scientific basis for such claims is sound.

When such advice is necessary, the committee is supplied with the data which the applicant for registration is required to furnish. The data is reviewed and evaluated and suggestions concerning the acceptance, rejection or modification of the request are submitted for the consideration of the staff of the Control Service.

The Technical Advisory Committee is appointed by the Director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Currently serving is:

Dr. John Reagor, Head, Diagnostic Toxicology
Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory