AAFCO’s Mid-Year Meeting: Only three days to go!

Understanding AAFCO: The Backbone of Pet Food Regulation

AAFCO, an independent corporation, plays an indispensable role in the regulation of animal feed and pet food across the United States. Unlike a direct government agency, AAFCO operates as a voluntary membership organization comprising representatives from state departments of agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its primary functions include developing model legislation, regulations, and enforcement policies for animal feed, as well as establishing ingredient definitions and nutrient profiles for pet food. These "model bills" are frequently adopted as state law, thereby creating a largely uniform regulatory framework nationwide. This unique public-private partnership structure allows for a collaborative approach to regulation, though it also presents challenges in balancing diverse interests, particularly those of manufacturers and consumers.

The significance of AAFCO’s work cannot be overstated. With the global pet food market valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually, and a significant portion of that in the United States, the standards set by AAFCO directly impact the health and safety of millions of companion animals. Pet owners rely on product labels to make informed decisions, and AAFCO’s definitions dictate what can be stated on those labels and how ingredients are described. This makes the twice-yearly public meetings, supplemented by numerous private webinars and committee sessions throughout the year, essential forums for shaping the future of pet food.

The August 2017 Meeting: A Chronology of Critical Discussions

The Bellevue meeting is structured to address a wide array of topics, but two committees stand out for their direct relevance to pet food consumers: the Ingredient Definitions Committee and the Pet Food Committee, both scheduled for Friday, August 11. Consumers and interested parties have the opportunity to listen to the proceedings online via WebEx or through a dedicated conference call line, a vital mechanism for public oversight of these influential discussions.

Thursday, August 10: Setting the Stage
The meeting commences with an opening session at 8 AM Pacific Time. While the initial day typically involves broader organizational matters, administrative reports, and general committee updates, it lays the groundwork for the more specialized discussions that follow. These preliminary sessions often cover updates on strategic initiatives, financial reports, and procedural matters that, while not directly related to specific pet food ingredients, are crucial for the overall functioning and direction of AAFCO. The attendance of state feed control officials and FDA representatives underscores the cooperative regulatory environment AAFCO fosters, aimed at ensuring consistency in feed and pet food regulation across different jurisdictions.

Friday, August 11: The Consumer-Centric Agenda
Friday’s agenda features the sessions most closely watched by pet owners and advocates.

Ingredient Definitions Committee (10:00 to 11:30 AM Pacific Time):
This committee is responsible for defining the legal nomenclature and standards for all ingredients used in animal feed, including pet food. The clarity and specificity of these definitions are paramount, as they dictate what manufacturers can claim on labels and how regulators can enforce those claims. The agenda for this session includes an item listed as "5) Discussions: a) Status on high profile ingredients." While the specific ingredients are not publicly detailed in advance, "high profile" often refers to ingredients that are either novel, subject to recent scientific scrutiny, or have garnered significant public attention due to safety concerns, sourcing issues, or potential benefits.

For instance, discussions could revolve around the precise definitions for alternative protein sources, the acceptable processing methods for certain by-products, or the conditions under which specific botanicals can be listed as ingredients. The outcomes of these discussions directly influence the types of ingredients that can be legally used and marketed in pet food, impacting both product innovation and consumer trust. Consumer advocates often push for stricter, more transparent definitions to prevent misleading labeling and ensure the quality and safety of ingredients. The implications of these definitions can be far-reaching, affecting everything from supply chains and manufacturing processes to marketing claims and, ultimately, the nutritional content and perceived quality of pet food products available to consumers.

Pet Food Committee (3:00 to 5:00 PM Pacific Time):
The afternoon session of the Pet Food Committee is anticipated to be particularly significant for pet owners. This committee focuses specifically on issues pertinent to pet food, encompassing labeling, nutrient profiles, and regulatory compliance. A key item on its agenda is the discussion surrounding the "Pet Food Label Modernization" working group, which has been actively meeting via webinars since the previous public session in January.

The most anticipated development from this committee is the expected announcement from the FDA regarding a crucial labeling disclosure: the request to add a "feed/food" labeling requirement to the duties of the Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This initiative, spearheaded by consumer advocates such as Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood and Mollie Morrissette, aims to mandate clearer labeling that distinguishes between ingredients considered "human-grade food" and those categorized as "feed-grade."

The "Feed/Food" Labeling Disclosure: A Push for Transparency

The distinction between "food" and "feed" is a cornerstone of this advocacy effort. Currently, many ingredients used in pet food, while legally approved, may not meet the standards typically associated with human consumption. For instance, some ingredients might be sourced from rendered animal by-products, while others might originate from processing facilities that do not adhere to human food safety standards. Without explicit labeling, consumers often assume that ingredients listed on pet food labels are of a quality comparable to what they might find in their own groceries. This assumption, advocates argue, can be misleading.

The proposed "feed/food" disclosure seeks to rectify this by requiring manufacturers to clearly state on the label whether the product contains "feed-grade" or "human-grade" ingredients. This would empower consumers to make more informed choices, aligning their purchases with their personal standards for pet nutrition and safety. The goal is for the Pet Food Label Modernization working group, which includes consumer representatives like Thixton and Morrissette, to draft a model bill incorporating this requirement, potentially paving the way for it to become state law.

Consumer advocates have been actively campaigning for this change, gathering signatures for a petition to demonstrate widespread public support. The deadline for signing this petition was set for Tuesday, August 8, 2017, just prior to the AAFCO meeting, underscoring the urgency and strategic timing of their efforts to influence the committee’s deliberations. The FDA had reportedly expressed "full support" for this label requirement during a meeting with advocates in June, leading to strong anticipation that the agency would publicly reiterate this stance during the AAFCO proceedings. Such a public endorsement from the FDA would lend significant weight to the proposal, increasing its chances of being adopted into future model legislation.

Broader Impact and Implications for the Pet Food Industry

The discussions at this AAFCO meeting, particularly regarding ingredient definitions and the "feed/food" labeling initiative, carry profound implications for various stakeholders.

For Consumers: Enhanced transparency in labeling could lead to greater confidence in pet food products. The ability to easily distinguish between different quality grades of ingredients would allow pet owners to align their purchasing decisions with their values and budgets. This could also drive demand for higher-quality ingredients, potentially leading to healthier outcomes for pets. Consumer advocacy groups, through their active participation in AAFCO committees and public petitions, are demonstrating a growing collective voice demanding accountability and clarity from the pet food industry.

For Pet Food Manufacturers: The adoption of a "feed/food" disclosure would necessitate significant adjustments within the industry. Manufacturers using feed-grade ingredients would need to adapt their labeling, potentially impacting marketing strategies and brand perception. Those already utilizing human-grade ingredients might see a competitive advantage. The change could also spur innovation in ingredient sourcing and processing, encouraging a shift towards higher quality standards across the board. However, it also presents challenges related to increased production costs, potential supply chain disruptions, and the need for clear communication with consumers about what these labels truly mean. Balancing these operational shifts with consumer demands will be a critical task for the industry in the coming years.

For Regulators (AAFCO and FDA): The successful implementation of new labeling requirements would demonstrate AAFCO’s responsiveness to consumer concerns and its commitment to evolving regulatory standards. For the FDA, publicly supporting and integrating such a disclosure would reinforce its role in ensuring the safety and truthfulness of animal feed labels. It would also set a precedent for future collaborations between regulatory bodies and consumer advocates in shaping industry standards. The ongoing challenge for regulators is to create enforceable, clear standards that protect consumers without unduly burdening industry or stifling innovation.

The pet food industry is a dynamic sector, with market research consistently showing that pet owners increasingly view their pets as family members, leading to a demand for premium products and greater transparency. Reports from organizations like the American Pet Products Association (APPA) often highlight continuous growth in pet spending, with food being a primary category. This economic context underscores why robust and clear regulation is not just about compliance but also about maintaining market integrity and consumer trust.

As the AAFCO meeting progresses, the outcomes of the Ingredient Definitions Committee and Pet Food Committee sessions will be closely watched. The discussions surrounding "high profile ingredients" and, crucially, the potential adoption of a "feed/food" labeling disclosure into the Pet Food Label Modernization efforts, represent significant steps towards a more transparent and accountable pet food industry. For those unable to participate directly, a comprehensive report detailing the meeting’s resolutions and their implications for pet owners and the industry is anticipated in the days following the event, ensuring that the dialogue around pet food safety and quality continues to evolve. The sustained efforts of consumer advocates like Susan Thixton are instrumental in pushing these critical conversations forward, ensuring that the voices of pet owners are heard in the complex world of pet food regulation.