CHAMPAIGN ILL. and WASHINGTON — On February 8, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) announced that it received unanimous support from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) for revised Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food. NASDA members voted on whether to support the model regulations during its Winter Policy Conference on Feb. 7.
The Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food is an eight-year project by AAFCO, which aims to improve the transparency of pet food labels and provide consumers with clearer information about pet food formulas. Often referred to as pet food label modernization (PFLM), the model regulations were approved by AAFCO in July 2023.
Following its vote on Feb. 7, NASDA encouraged state feed regulatory programs with regulatory authority over pet foods, to quickly and consistently adopt regulations, while also respecting existing legal authorities and regulatory processes of an individual.
“NASDA members vote to support reformed AAFCO Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation to protect animal health,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “AAFCO is here to be a partner and resource for state regulatory programs as they move forward with adopting these model regulation that will improve transparency and provide clearer information on pet food packaging.”
NASDA also encouraged feed regulatory programs to work with pet food processors and distributors within their states to follow AAFCO’s recommended six-year transition period. During the transition, state regulators are recommended to allow the distribution and sale of pet food products that comply with current state regulations or new model regulations.
“Pet food labels, like any other food label, should be clear and easy to understand so that pet owners can make informed decisions about what they feed their livestock,” said Blayne Arthur, NASDA president and Oklahoma agriculture secretary. “State feed regulatory programs agree to exercise enforcement discretion in reviewing pet food labels. This action item demonstrates NASDA members’ commitment to transparent and consistent pet food labels across the United States. It prioritizes a seamless transition to the AAFCO model regulations adopted by its membership and endorsed by the pet food industry. NASDA looks forward to working with AAFCO and industry representatives.”
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