CPG Sec. 653.100 Animal Grooming Aids

BACKGROUND:

From time to time *CVM* receives inquiries concerning the status of cosmetic articles intended for animal use. The cosmetic definition in Section 201(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act refers only to the use of such articles in man. Therefore articles intended solely to cleanse or beautify animals are not cosmetics within the meaning of 201(i) but are commonly considered as "grooming aids."

Where animal grooming aids are labeled or otherwise intended for therapeutic purposes, they may be considered to be drugs. This may occur when a grooming aid is labeled to contain an active drug ingredient or to otherwise suggest or imply a therapeutic benefit.

POLICY:

Grooming aid labeling bearing direct or implied therapeutic claims or otherwise representing the product as a drug, such as by label reference to the presence of an active ingredient, may be considered as a drug and perhaps new animal drug as defined by Section 201(v) of the Act.

Grooming aids for animals formulated and labeled only to cleanse or beautify the animal are not subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

*Material between asterisks is new or revised*

Issued: 10/1/80
Revised: 3/95