In accordance with the Federal Fungicide, Insecticide and Rodenticide Act the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a 15-year review of all registered pesticides and chemicals.  In accordance with FFIRA the EPA must establish that produces are effective and do not harm the environment.  Formaldehyde is an important chemical used in pre-harvest production in both the poultry and swine industries.  The product is used as a fumigant in hatcheries and as a liquid application to decontaminate buildings.  The product is also incorporated in feed additives to suppress foodborne bacteria including Salmonella.

Livestock and agricultural associations including United Egg Producers, USPOULTRY, The National Chicken Council, American Feed Industry Association, National Pork Producers Council and the National Turkey Federation submitted documentation to the EPA to maintain the favorable approval of the compound.  This included data on exposure and risk in addition to efficacy against bacterial and viral pathogens.  The submission also noted that there have been no documented cases of acute toxicity or adverse effects as the result of application of formaldehyde. This is due to appropriate management and the use of PPE in pre-harvest production.