The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recently developed new Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food. AAFCO model rules are used by most states as part of their charge to regulate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of animal feeds, pet foods, and pet treats.
Changes to Expect
The model rules were created in conjunction with a Pet Food Label Modernization project started by AAFCO back in 2015. Label changes fall into four areas.
- Nutrition Facts Box: new requirements such as calorie content, total carbohydrates, and dietary fiber.
- Intended Use and Nutritional Adequacy Claims: identify if it is a complete food, a treat, food supplement, or for use under veterinary care.
- Ingredient Statement: clarification of naming conventions for ingredients, vitamin and mineral premixes, and organic claims.
- Handling and Storage Instructions: while optional on the label, if present they must follow stated regulations.
The new model rules will need to be adopted on a state-by-state basis. AAFCO recommends each state use enforcement discretion for the review of pet food labels and packaging over the next six years to give industry time to implement changes to meet the new regulations.
Start Planning Now
We recommend industry members begin evaluation of these new regulations and the changes they will have to make to their labels and packaging. Manufacturers will need time to comply with packaging requirements and product formulations will need to be reviewed in light of the new labeling requirements.
The regulatory staff at FDAImports can handle all your state compliance needs, from determining the impact of new model rules to filing state registrations. If you need assistance with animal feed or pet food products, please contact us.
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, and is not intended to form an attorney-client relationship. Please contact your regular FDAImports representative for additional information.
