The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has shared its concerns for the current version of proposed federal legislation that would reduce state oversight and authority to review the marketing or labeling of pet food.
HR7380, the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024, or the PURR Act, was introduced in Congress on February 15, 2024, with the goal of creating a more streamlined federal regulatory process that would prohibit state governments from direct or indirect establishment, maintenance. , enforcement or enforcement of any authority or requirement relating to the marketing or labeling of pet food.
AAFCO is concerned that the proposed legislation, as currently presented, could have negative effects for consumer protection, reduce pet food label transparency and jeopardize the safe promotion of pet food products animal
“State feed programs are the first line of defense protecting consumers from fraudulent or mislabeled pet food products,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “Today, many state regulators proactively inspect pet food labeling before products go to market to ensure that any marketing claims on the label or packaging are accurate and have the necessary scientific data to prove the statements. Under the new PURR Act, this important layer of consumer protection will be completely lost.”
Lack of transparency
Most US state feed programs support the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by providing premarket reviews of pet food labels to ensure that permitted marketing claims are substantiated by data. and is not false or misleading to the consumer. HR7380 would allow pet food manufacturers to distribute pet food products that “self-proclaimed” as safe without ingredients or nutritional claims being verified by a government authority before the products are available for sale and consumption.
AAFCO is also concerned with the “sometimes contains ingredients” language currently included in HR7380, which states that manufacturers may use words on packaging such as “and/or,” “contains one or more of following,” or other words indicating that an ingredient may not be in the pet food. If passed, it would allow manufacturers to change or remove ingredients without disclosing this information to consumers.
“Many consumers purchase pet foods and treats based on the dietary needs or allergen requirements of their pets. A lack of transparency will leave consumers not knowing which ingredients what their pets may or may not eat, leading to potential health risks,” Therrell added.
Currently, the FDA and state governments work in partnership under a national integrated food safety system that allows the FDA to use the expertise and resources of state feed programs to strengthen inspections. on pet food safety and protect consumers against unsafe, misleading or deceptive advertising and labeling practices.
“While there are certainly opportunities to improve efficiency and bring more innovation to the marketplace, it must be done in a safe and transparent manner,” Therrell said. “Engaging with states and those closely involved in the day-to-day administration of pet food products is essential to truly creating a modernized regulatory system.”