FDA and AAFCO agree on ingredients list

The agreement also defines a role for the FDA to provide input on the
suitability of feed ingredients on the AAFCO  list.

A basic goal of AAFCO
is to promote equitable laws, regulations, standards, definitions, and
enforcement policies relevant to animal feed—which includes pet food. The
association has no enforcement authority, though most members are state feed
control officials.

Safe feed ingredient list
An annual official
publication from AAFCO lists ingredients that the association has found suitable
for animal feeds. The publication includes ingredient definitions and standard
names.

The FDA’s formal recognition of the AAFCO list helps advance an
existing agency initiative to develop a modern Animal Feed Safety
System.

The FDA established an ad hoc AFSS team four years ago to develop
ways to improve the feed safety system in the United States.

Draft
framework
The draft framework for the AFSS emphasizes the following
components:

• Ingredients used in animal feeds are safe.
• The methods used to
  make, distribute, and use feeds result in safe products.

• Regulatory oversight is
  present at levels commensurate with risk to human and animal health.

• Training, education, and outreach activities keep
  stakeholders well-informed and ensure that FDA and state feed regulatory
  personnel are adequately trained.

The
FDA has held four public meetings regarding the AFSS, and the agency continues
to accept comments. Information about the AFSS, including the FDA’s agreement
with AAFCO, is available at the FDA website

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