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

Understanding AAFCO’s Pivotal Role in Pet Food Regulation

AAFCO stands as a unique, independent corporation and organization comprising representatives from State Departments of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While not a direct regulatory body in the conventional sense, AAFCO wields immense influence over the pet food landscape. Its primary functions include writing and owning the legal definitions for all pet food and animal feed ingredients. Crucially, AAFCO also drafts "model bills" – legislative templates that are frequently adopted verbatim as state laws governing the manufacture, labeling, and sale of pet food and animal feed across the United States. This structure means that AAFCO’s decisions, while not federal law themselves, effectively shape the regulatory framework that governs a multi-billion dollar industry and impacts the health and safety of millions of companion animals.

The association holds two primary public meetings annually, typically in January and August, facilitating broader stakeholder engagement. Beyond these public forums, AAFCO members and designated stakeholder representatives participate in numerous interim meetings, often conducted via webinars, to advance specific working group initiatives. These private discussions culminate in reports and proposals presented at the public meetings, making the August 2017 gathering a key event for revealing previously confidential progress, particularly from groups like the Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This intricate process highlights the continuous, behind-the-scenes work that underpins the public announcements made at the semi-annual conferences.

Key Sessions and Agenda Highlights for Pet Food Consumers

For pet food consumers and advocates, two sessions stand out as particularly significant during the Bellevue meeting: the Ingredient Definitions Committee and the Pet Food Committee, both scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2017. These committees are at the forefront of shaping the fundamental components and communication standards of pet food.

The Ingredient Definitions Committee meeting, scheduled from 10:00 to 11:30 AM Pacific Time on Friday, August 11, 2017, is expected to unveil critical information. Its agenda includes an item of particular interest: "5) Discussions: a) Status on high profile ingredients." This segment could potentially reveal updates on ingredients that have been subject to scrutiny, debate, or proposed revisions, impacting transparency and consumer understanding of what constitutes their pets’ meals. The committee is responsible for ensuring that ingredient definitions are clear, scientifically sound, and accurately reflect the composition of pet food products. Outdated or ambiguous definitions can lead to consumer confusion and potential misrepresentation of product quality.

Public access to this pivotal session is available via WebEx, requiring prior registration through the provided link (http://fass.webex.com). Alternatively, attendees can listen in via conference call at US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, using access code 660 195 549#. The full agenda for this session is accessible via a direct link on the AAFCO website, offering a detailed overview of the topics slated for discussion.

Following this, the Pet Food Committee meeting, set for 3:00 to 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, August 11, 2017, is anticipated to host discussions of substantial consequence for consumers. A primary focus is the expected announcement from the FDA regarding a request to integrate a "feed/food labeling disclosure" into the duties of the Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This initiative aims to develop future model bill requirements that mandate clear labeling of whether ingredients or products are classified as "food" (human-grade) or "feed" (animal-grade), a distinction often opaque to the average pet owner.

The Crucial "Food" vs. "Feed" Disclosure Debate

The "food" or "feed" disclosure is a critical point of contention and a long-standing demand from consumer advocacy groups. In the regulatory lexicon, "feed" typically refers to products and ingredients not deemed fit for human consumption, often utilizing by-products or rendered materials. "Food," conversely, implies ingredients that meet human-grade standards. The lack of a clear distinction on pet food labels can lead consumers to believe they are purchasing products made with human-grade ingredients when, in fact, they may be composed of materials categorized as "feed." This discrepancy has significant implications for consumer trust, ethical sourcing, and perceived product quality.

Consumer advocates, including Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood.com and Mollie Morrissette, who are members of the Pet Food Label Modernization working group, have been instrumental in pushing for this clarity. Their efforts include presenting a petition with consumer signatures supporting the feed/food labeling requirement to the committee. The original article highlighted the urgency of this petition, with a deadline of Tuesday, August 8, 2017, for additional signatures, underscoring the groundswell of public demand for greater transparency.

The FDA’s public support for this labeling requirement, previously expressed during a June meeting with consumer advocates, is a significant development. Should the agency formally state this support at the AAFCO meeting, it would lend substantial weight to the proposal and increase the likelihood of its inclusion in future model bills. The full request submitted by consumer advocates to the FDA regarding this labeling requirement is publicly available on regulations.gov, offering detailed insights into the specific changes being sought.

Like the Ingredient Definitions Committee meeting, the Pet Food Committee session can be viewed via WebEx (registration required at http://fass.webex.com) or listened to via conference call at US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, access code 666 808 790#. The agenda for this committee meeting is also available on the AAFCO website, allowing stakeholders to review the planned discussions.

Broader Implications for Pet Food Safety and Consumer Trust

The discussions and decisions made at AAFCO meetings carry far-reaching implications for pet food safety, industry practices, and consumer confidence. In an industry valued at over $40 billion annually in the U.S. alone, transparency and accurate labeling are paramount. Consumers increasingly seek healthier, more natural options for their pets, mirroring trends in human food. However, the complexity of current pet food labels, often laden with technical jargon and lacking clear definitions, can be a significant barrier to informed purchasing decisions.

The push for pet food label modernization, including the "food" or "feed" disclosure, directly addresses these concerns. Clearer labels would empower consumers to make choices aligned with their values regarding ingredient quality, sourcing, and processing standards. This increased transparency could also foster greater accountability within the pet food industry, encouraging manufacturers to adhere to higher standards and communicate more effectively with their customer base.

Moreover, AAFCO’s role in setting ingredient definitions directly impacts the integrity of the entire pet food supply chain. Without precise and up-to-date definitions, there is potential for ambiguity that could allow for the inclusion of less desirable or even potentially harmful ingredients under broad classifications. The "Status on high profile ingredients" discussion within the Ingredient Definitions Committee is therefore crucial for addressing potential gaps or outdated standards that may not adequately protect animal health or consumer expectations.

The Role of Consumer Advocacy and Public Participation

The presence and active participation of consumer advocates like Susan Thixton and Mollie Morrissette in AAFCO working groups underscore the growing demand for public input in regulatory processes. Their ability to present petitions, articulate consumer concerns, and collaborate directly with industry and regulatory officials is vital for ensuring that pet owner interests are represented. The open microphone sessions at public meetings further facilitate this, allowing any attendee to voice opinions directly to AAFCO members and stakeholders.

However, the balance of power in these discussions remains a point of observation. While AAFCO promotes stakeholder participation, the influence of large pet food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, who often have significant resources dedicated to lobbying and technical expertise, is undeniable. The continued vigilance and organized efforts of consumer groups are therefore essential to ensure that the drive for transparency and safety is not overshadowed by commercial interests.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pet Food Labeling

The outcomes of the August 2017 AAFCO meeting, particularly regarding the Pet Food Label Modernization working group and the "food" or "feed" disclosure, will set a precedent for future regulatory developments. If the FDA’s support for the disclosure is formalized and the working group is tasked with developing model bill language, it could lead to significant advancements in label clarity within the next few years. This would represent a considerable victory for consumer advocates who have long championed greater transparency.

The ongoing work of AAFCO, while often complex and technical, directly impacts the well-being of companion animals and the trust consumers place in the products they purchase. The ability for the public to listen in on these critical discussions, even if remotely, marks an important step toward a more open and accountable pet food regulatory environment. For those unable to attend or listen live, comprehensive reports from the meeting are typically provided shortly after its conclusion, ensuring that the public remains informed about these vital developments. The collective hope of consumer advocates is for progressive decisions that prioritize pet health and consumer transparency, shaping a more informed and trustworthy pet food market for years to come.