WASHINGTON — Following the expiration of its MOU with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on ingredient reviews, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is currently considering a new regulatory pathway proposed by Kansas State University Olathe. However, this pathway has raised concerns for the Pet Food Institute (PFI). The institute provided comments on Nov. 1 to the AAFCO on the proposal, detailing several potential issues.  

According to PFI it is not in direct opposition to the creation of a new pathway, but is concerned about the regulatory and consumer impacts.

The institute expressed that pet food makers desire an ingredient approval framework that does not place over-reliance on regulatory discretion. Additionally, using a public entity, like an academic university, for such reviews may introduce consumer doubt. Also, the institute is concerned that the burden of proof for reviews may differ between regulatory agencies, like the FDA, and an academic institution. 

“While we can appreciate the desire by AAFCO to create a replacement pathway for ingredient approvals, PFI recommends that AAFCO wait until the FDA has finalized its current work to improve ingredient approvals before embarking on a new process,” shared Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of PFI.

For more regulatory news affecting the pet food market, visit our Regulatory page.