Udall Heralds FDA Decision to Revise Costly, Proposed Regulation of Spent Brewers Grains

Mark Udall, a champion for Colorado's craft brewers, thanked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today for heeding his call and revising a proposed rule that would have fundamentally altered how breweries, farmers and ranchers work together to dispose of spent brewers grains. The new rule follows the FDA's commitment earlier this year to revise its proposed rule that would have tied up Colorado's brewers and farmers in red tape and likely increased costs to consumers.

"Colorado's innovative craft brewers create jobs, drive tourism and support our agricultural economy. I am proud the FDA heeded my call and rewrote a proposed rule that would have unjustly mired our brewers and ranchers in red tape," Udall said. "Brewers spent grains are a cost-effective and safe livestock feed, and I am proud the FDA has acknowledged that and changed course. This decision is something all Coloradans can raise a glass to."

Udall pledged to continue to work with Colorado stakeholders and across the aisle to press the FDA on the issue during the new 75-day comment period.

Brewers' spent grains, whose sugars are fermented to make craft beer, are an economical and high-protein food source for beef and dairy cattle. According to a 2013 Brewers Association survey of its members, brewers currently re-sell or give away nearly 90 percent of their spent grain as livestock feed. The FDA's original rule could have levied a cost of nearly $43 million per year onto Colorado's craft brewers.

Udall, a strong advocate for Colorado's brewers and a member of the U.S. Senate Small Brewers Caucus, has worked to lower the tax burden on Colorado brewers. He also has been a strong supporter of brewers' efforts to pursue more sustainable and energy-efficient business practices.

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