The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members produce the majority of dogs and cats food and treats in the United States, announced its support for new federal legislation that would reform and streamline how pet food is regulated. Under the proposed bill, HR7380, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will have regulatory authority over the ingredient labeling and testing process for dogs and cats food and treats, replacing the outdated and inconsistent state-by-state approach currently used for ingredient and label approval.
“Dog and cat owners not only want to ensure both high quality and safe pet foods they trust to feed their beloved dogs and cats but expect the products to reflect the latest in nutritional science and ingredient innovation,” said PFI president and CEO Dana Brooks. “To continue delivering on that promise , we support federal legislation that would replace the current inefficient patchwork approach between states and the federal government with uniform national standards that are predictable, clearly defined, and encourage innovation and speed in market.”
The bipartisan law, called Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024 (PURR Act), 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 producers produce nearly 10 million tons of food annual and important to American agriculture. Expensive and outdated regulations have made it difficult for pet food manufacturers across the country to invest in research and development for new and improved products,” said Rep. LaTurner. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan PURR Act to eliminate red tape and allow pet food manufacturers to deliver the best nutritional results for our dogs and cats.”
The proposed legislation would provide for centralized federal oversight of FDA regulation and eliminate inconsistent state interpretations and decisions affecting substance and pet food label approval that negatively affects consumer access to safe and healthy products. The law calls for clearly defined performance measures for the FDA, including new ingredient reviews and approval timelines, overseen by the US Congress.
“The PURR Act includes the necessary reforms to be streamlined and updated pet food regulations in the United States. I am pleased to cosponsor this bipartisan bill that will encourage change at the center pet food manufacturers while protecting the health and welfare of our pets,” said Congressman Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28).
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 to under the FDA. The law will result in a modernized pet food regulatory framework more like how people foods are regulated.
“Pet food manufacturers face a confusing, costly and conflicting dual regulatory system that hasn’t been updated in nearly 100 years. The PURR Act would streamline the antiquated system by giving the FDA sole authority to regulate the labeling and marketing of pet food while eliminating the state-by-state regulatory patchwork,” said Rep. Womack. “If the pet purrs or barks, the regulatory clarity of the PURR Act will help meet today’s needs pet owners and pet food makers of Arkansas’ Third.”
“Pet owners agree on the need for an uninterrupted supply of safe, high quality, and innovative pet products, and now is the time for pet food regulations that should be streamlined to better meet the needs of pets and pet owner at 21St century and beyond,” Brooks concluded.
