On February 15, the US House of Representatives introduced new federal legislation that would reform and streamline how pet food is regulated. Under the proposed bill, the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2024 (HR7380), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have regulatory authority over the labeling and ingredient review process for dog and cat food and treats, which will replace the outdated and inconsistent state-by-state approach currently used for ingredient and label approval.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) noted in a press statement that the proposed bill language only affects pet food label reviews and codes ingredients and marketing claims to the Association of American Feed Control Officials. (AAFCO) Official Publication. AAFCO acts as an intermediary between state, federal and international feed regulators to create ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards. AAFCO’s annual Official Publication creates a list generally recognized by states and other countries for ingredient definitions allowed on commercial feed labels.
The PURR Act does not affect food safety or nutrition, PFI says.
“Dog and cat owners not only want to be assured of the same high quality and safe pet foods they trust to care for their beloved dogs and cats but expect the products to demonstrate cutting edge in nutritional science and ingredient innovation,” said PFI president and CEO Dana Brooks. “To continue to deliver on that promise, we support federal legislation that would replace the current inefficient patchwork approach between the states and the federal government with a consistent national standard that is predictable, clearly defined and encourages innovation and speed to market.”
The PURR Act was designed to eliminate red tape, centralize oversight
The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark. ).
“Pet food manufacturers produce nearly 10 million tons of food annually and are vital to American agriculture,” said Rep. LaTurner. “Expensive and outdated regulations have made it difficult for pet food manufacturers across the country to invest in research and development for new and improved products.”
LaTurner noted that the bipartisan PURR Act is designed to eliminate red tape and allow pet food manufacturers to deliver the best nutritional results for dogs and cats.
The proposed legislation would provide centralized federal oversight of FDA regulation and eliminate inconsistent state interpretations and decisions affecting ingredient approvals and pet food labels that would adversely affect consumer access to safe and nutritious products. The law calls for clearly defined performance measures for the FDA, including new ingredient reviews and approval timelines, to be overseen by the US Congress, explained Congressman Cuellar, Ph.D.
“The PURR Act includes necessary reforms to streamline and update pet food regulations in the United States,” he said. “I am pleased to cosponsor this bipartisan bill that will encourage innovation among pet food manufacturers while protecting the health and well-being of our pets.”
Label and ingredient approvals come from the FDA
Under the new law, state departments of agriculture and other state officials will still conduct quality inspections and product registrations, but label and ingredient approvals will be streamlined under of the FDA. The law would result in a modernized pet food regulatory framework more similar to how human foods are regulated, said Rep. Womack.
“Pet food manufacturers are dealing with a confusing, costly and conflicting dual regulatory system that hasn’t been updated in nearly 100 years,” he said. “The PURR Act will streamline the outdated system by giving FDA sole authority to regulate pet food labeling and marketing while eliminating state-by-state regulatory patchwork.”
For its part, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) said Petfood Industry that it is working to achieve a regulatory settlement that does not impede the production or sale of safe, quality animal feed products in the US The association is currently considering any unintended consequences this bill may introduce; therefore, AFIA does not currently have a position on HR 7380.
“Because AFIA’s membership covers the entire pet food industry, beyond cat and dog food manufacturers, we are seeking feedback through our member committees to help develop the policy position. ,” the association said.
PFI’s Brooks said pet owners agree on the need for an uninterrupted supply of safe, high-quality and innovative pet products.
“Now is the time to streamline pet food regulations to better meet the needs of pets and pet owners in the 21st century and beyond,” Brooks said.
