Which organization accredits laboratory animal care internationally?

• A. FDA
• B. AAALAC International
• C. USDA
• D. NIH

Answer: (B)

AAALAC International is the organization that accredits laboratory animal care on an international scale. It’s a private, nonprofit program that performs voluntary evaluations of an institution’s entire animal care and use program against established standards, including the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The accreditation process involves an on-site inspection and a thorough review, after which the institution can receive accreditation if it meets the criteria. This international recognition signals a strong commitment to humane and well-managed animal care, and it’s sought by institutions worldwide to demonstrate quality and consistency in their programs.

The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is a U.S. regulatory agency that oversees the safety of drugs, vaccines, and medical devices and does not provide accreditation of animal care programs. The USDA, the United States Department of Agriculture, enforces the Animal Welfare Act and conducts inspections in the U.S., but it does not offer international accreditation. The NIH, the National Institutes of Health, provides guidelines and funding for research but does not accredit institutions’ animal care programs.