Processed pet food: designation as human food grade.

Existing law requires each person who manufactures a processed pet food, as defined, to first obtain a license from the State Department of Public Health. Existing law prohibits the misbranding of processed pet food. Under existing law, a violation of these provisions, and other provisions related to processed pet food, is a crime. This bill would authorize a person who manufactures a processed pet food to apply to the department for designation of a processed pet food as human food grade, as specified. The bill would require the department to create a symbol, label, or wording that an applicant may, but is not required to, use for a processed pet food designated as human food grade. The bill would authorize a processed pet food designated as human food grade to be labeled, advertised, and represented as human food grade if it also clearly indicates that it is intended for consumption by pets, as specified. Because a violation of this bill's provisions would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.