AAFCO Meeting Begins August 10, 2017, Focusing on Ingredient Definitions and Pet Food Label Modernization.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is poised to hold its pivotal annual meeting in Bellevue, Washington, commencing Thursday, August 10, 2017. This critical gathering, extending through Friday, August 11, represents a significant event for the pet food industry and the millions of pet owners nationwide, as key decisions shaping pet food safety, composition, and labeling are deliberated. Central to the agenda are high-stakes discussions within the Ingredient Definitions Committee and the Pet Food Committee, focusing intently on the transparency of "high profile ingredients" and a concerted push for a mandatory "feed/food labeling disclosure" requirement. These sessions are not merely administrative; their outcomes directly influence the regulatory framework that governs nearly every pet food product sold in the United States, underscoring AAFCO’s influential, albeit often behind-the-scenes, role in animal feed regulation. Consumer advocates, including Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood.com, are actively participating, advocating for increased transparency and accountability within this complex regulatory landscape.

Understanding AAFCO’s Unique Regulatory Position

AAFCO, an independent, non-profit organization, stands as a cornerstone of animal feed regulation in the United States. Its membership comprises state and federal regulatory officials tasked with enforcing animal feed laws, predominantly representatives from state departments of agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Distinct from a direct regulatory agency with enforcement powers, AAFCO operates by developing "model bills" and regulations. These models, upon adoption by individual states, effectively become state law, thereby creating a harmonized, albeit decentralized, legal framework for pet food and animal feed across jurisdictions. This structure means that AAFCO’s recommendations, while not federal law themselves, serve as the de facto legal standards for ingredient definitions, labeling requirements, and nutritional adequacy statements.

The organization’s comprehensive "Official Publication" is a vital resource, cataloging all officially recognized ingredient definitions and labeling policies. This publication forms the indispensable backbone of regulatory compliance for manufacturers, dictating what can be included in pet food, how it must be named on a label, and the nutritional claims that can be made. AAFCO’s unique quasi-governmental role positions it at the nexus of industry innovation, governmental oversight, and consumer protection. This often necessitates intricate negotiations and the careful balancing of diverse interests, from the economic considerations of manufacturers to the health and safety concerns of pet owners. The transparency and accountability of AAFCO’s processes have been subjects of ongoing discussion, particularly as consumer awareness of pet food ingredients and safety has grown.

A Brief History of Pet Food Regulation and the Drive for Transparency

The regulation of pet food in the United States has undergone substantial evolution over the past century, propelled by public health imperatives, scientific advancements, and heightened consumer scrutiny. Early oversight was largely fragmented, with individual states setting their own disparate standards. The evident need for uniformity and consistency in feed regulation led to the establishment of AAFCO in the early 20th century. The foundational legal framework for food, drugs, and cosmetics, including animal feed, is provided by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, enacted in 1938. Under this federal mandate, the FDA bears the primary responsibility for ensuring that pet food is safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled.

However, the FDA has historically delegated considerable authority to AAFCO for the establishment of specific ingredient definitions and detailed labeling standards. This collaborative yet distinct regulatory arrangement underscores why AAFCO’s meetings and decisions hold such profound significance for the entire pet food ecosystem. In recent decades, high-profile pet food recalls, coupled with increasing consumer awareness about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and potential contaminants, have intensified public and regulatory attention on AAFCO’s proceedings. The advent of the internet and the proliferation of online pet owner communities have further amplified calls for greater transparency and more robust regulatory practices, pushing AAFCO and its stakeholders to continually adapt to evolving expectations. This historical context illuminates the current meeting’s importance as part of an ongoing dialogue about ensuring the integrity and safety of pet food.

The Pet Food Label Modernization Initiative: A Comprehensive Overhaul

A significant overarching initiative influencing the current AAFCO meeting is the ongoing work of the Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This extensive project aims to comprehensively review and update existing pet food labeling requirements to better serve both consumers and industry stakeholders. The working group has been actively engaged in numerous private webinar meetings since the last public AAFCO session in January 2017, diligently crafting potential revisions to labeling standards. The results of these internal deliberations are slated for public disclosure during the Bellevue meeting, offering a crucial glimpse into prospective, far-reaching changes to how pet food products are presented to the public.

The modernization effort seeks to address long-standing criticisms regarding the clarity, comprehensibility, and adequacy of information provided on pet food labels. Discussions within the working group may encompass a wide array of topics, including the standardization of nutrient guarantees, the clarification of ambiguous ingredient terms, improved disclosure of ingredient sourcing, and the enhancement of overall label readability. The ultimate goal is to empower consumers to make more informed and confident purchasing decisions by providing clearer, more digestible information. For consumer advocates, the transparency of these previously private discussions is a paramount concern, as they push for greater public involvement and input in the label modernization process to ensure that consumer interests are adequately represented and prioritized in the development of future model bills. This initiative reflects a recognition within AAFCO and the industry of the need to adapt labeling practices to meet contemporary consumer expectations for transparency and detailed product information.

Critical Agenda Items: Spotlight on Friday, August 11, 2017

The agenda for the Bellevue meeting features two particularly significant sessions for pet food consumers, both scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2017. These committee meetings are the primary forums where specific regulatory proposals are debated, refined, and often voted upon, directly shaping future pet food standards.

The Ingredient Definitions Committee: Scrutinizing "High Profile Ingredients"

Scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2017, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM Pacific Time, the Ingredient Definitions Committee meeting is central to establishing what ingredients are legally permissible in pet food and how they must be identified on product labels. A specific agenda item, "5) Discussions: a) Status on high profile ingredients," has attracted considerable interest from industry observers and consumer advocates alike. The designation "high profile ingredients" typically refers to those components that are subject to ongoing debate or scrutiny regarding their sourcing, processing methods, perceived nutritional value, or potential safety implications. This broad category could encompass a diverse range of materials, including rendered animal by-products, specific protein sources, novel ingredients gaining traction in the market, or even synthetic additives whose inclusion or nomenclature is contentious.

Changes or clarifications to these definitions can carry profound implications for pet food manufacturers, influencing their supply chain logistics, production methodologies, and ultimately, the cost and nutritional profile of their products. For consumers, the transparency surrounding these ingredient definitions is paramount, as it directly affects their ability to comprehend what constitutes their pet’s diet and to align their purchasing choices with their values regarding animal welfare, ingredient quality, and sustainability. For example, definitions related to terms such as "meat meal," "poultry by-product meal," or "animal fat" have historically been subjects of intense debate, as even subtle alterations in wording can significantly impact the perceived quality or origin of an ingredient. Any discussion leading to new definitions, amendments to existing ones, or a reclassification of ingredients could trigger significant shifts in how pet food products are formulated, marketed, and perceived by the public. The committee’s proceedings involve rigorous review of scientific data, consideration of industry practices, and often, input from public comments and stakeholder representatives. Consumers interested in these discussions can access the meeting via WebEx by registering at fass.webex.com or by listening through a conference call line at US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 660 195 549#. The full agenda for this session is available on AAFCO’s official website.

The Pet Food Committee and the Imperative for "Feed/Food Labeling Disclosure"

Later in the day, the Pet Food Committee will convene on Friday, August 11, 2017, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, to address broader regulatory issues impacting the pet food sector. A primary focus of this session will be the anticipated announcement from the FDA regarding its support for incorporating a "feed/food labeling disclosure" into the responsibilities of the Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This initiative, vigorously championed by consumer advocates such as Susan Thixton and Mollie Morrissette, seeks to mandate a clear and unambiguous distinction on pet food labels between ingredients designated as "feed grade" and those considered "human grade" or "food grade."

The differentiation between "feed grade" and "food grade" is critically important for consumer transparency. "Feed grade" ingredients typically refer to materials that, while deemed safe for animal consumption, are not legally suitable for human consumption due to their source, handling, or processing methods. Conversely, "food grade" implies ingredients that meet the stringent safety and quality standards required for human consumption. The FDA’s public affirmation of support for this disclosure, following discussions with consumer advocates in June, would represent a monumental victory for consumer transparency. Such an endorsement could pave the way for a model bill that would compel manufacturers to explicitly state the grade of ingredients utilized in their products. This level of clarity would empower consumers to make profoundly more informed purchasing choices, aligning their selections with their preferences for ingredient quality, ethical sourcing, and overall product transparency.

During this session, consumer advocacy groups will also present a substantial collection of petition signatures in support of this feed/food labeling requirement, underscoring widespread public demand for greater transparency in pet food ingredients. The petition, which closed for signatures on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, demonstrates the concerted and urgent effort behind this advocacy push. The full request submitted by consumer advocates to the FDA, detailing the rationale for the proposed change, highlights the prevailing consumer expectation for clear information on ingredient quality and origin. The implications of such a disclosure could fundamentally alter market dynamics, rewarding brands committed to higher-quality sourcing and potentially reshaping consumer trust. Interested parties can view the meeting via WebEx by registering at fass.webex.com or listen by phone at US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 666 808 790 #. The agenda for this crucial Pet Food Committee meeting is also available on AAFCO’s website.

Stakeholder Participation and the Dynamics of Advocacy

AAFCO’s operational framework includes specific provisions for "stakeholder" participation, allowing various interested parties to contribute to the regulatory development process. These stakeholders encompass a broad spectrum of groups, including representatives from pet food and animal feed manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and crucially, consumer advocacy organizations. While AAFCO convenes public meetings biannually, a substantial portion of its foundational work, particularly for complex and long-term initiatives such as the Pet Food Label Modernization project, unfolds through numerous private webinar meetings held throughout the year.

Consumer advocates like Susan Thixton play an indispensable role in these discussions, acting as a vital conduit between the intricate technicalities of the regulatory environment and the pressing concerns of pet owners. Their active presence on working groups, such as the Pet Food Label Modernization group, ensures that consumer perspectives and priorities are thoughtfully considered during the drafting and refinement of future model bills. The presentation of collected consumer petition signatures at the Pet Food Committee meeting serves as a powerful demonstration of widespread public support for specific regulatory changes, lending significant weight to the arguments advanced by consumer representatives. This multifaceted engagement is essential for striking a delicate balance between the commercial interests and operational realities of the pet food industry and the legitimate demands for safety, transparency, and quality from the public. The ongoing dialogue between these diverse groups is critical for fostering a regulatory environment that is both effective and responsive to evolving societal expectations.

Broader Implications for the Pet Food Landscape

The outcomes of the Ingredient Definitions Committee and Pet Food Committee meetings hold profound and far-reaching implications for both the pet food industry and the millions of pet owners it serves.

For manufacturers, the adoption of new ingredient definitions or the imposition of stricter labeling requirements, particularly the highly anticipated feed/food disclosure, could necessitate significant adjustments in sourcing strategies, production processes, and marketing approaches. Companies currently utilizing "feed grade" ingredients might face increased pressure to either elevate their ingredient quality to "food grade" standards or to clearly differentiate their products, potentially affecting market share, brand perception, and pricing structures. Compliance with new labeling standards would also entail substantial investments in retooling packaging, updating informational materials, and ensuring accurate disclosure across all product lines.

For consumers, the promise of enhanced transparency, particularly through a mandatory feed/food disclosure, would provide pet owners with unprecedented clarity regarding the quality and origin of ingredients in their pet’s diet. This newfound transparency could cultivate a more discerning and empowered consumer base, one that demands higher standards and potentially shifts market demand towards products featuring clearer, more favorable disclosures. A deeper understanding of ingredient definitions would also foster greater trust between consumers and pet food brands, predicated on verifiable information rather than ambiguous marketing claims. Ultimately, these proposed changes aim to empower pet owners to make more informed decisions that are closely aligned with their personal values, ethical considerations, and their pets’ specific health and nutritional needs.

From a broader regulatory perspective, a public endorsement by the FDA for the feed/food disclosure would signal a stronger federal alignment with burgeoning consumer demands for transparency, potentially influencing future regulatory priorities and enforcement actions. It could also establish a significant precedent for further collaborative efforts among federal agencies, state regulators, and consumer advocacy groups in shaping comprehensive animal feed policy. Successful implementation of the ongoing modernization initiatives could culminate in a more robust, transparent, and consumer-friendly regulatory framework for pet food throughout the United States, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of companion animals.

Public Access and Future Dissemination of Information

Recognizing the substantial public interest in these critical discussions, AAFCO has made explicit provisions for external stakeholders and the general public to monitor the proceedings. Individuals keen to follow the debates can listen to the meetings online via WebEx, with registration required for visual access, or by dialing into a designated conference call number. This commitment to accessibility, while not encompassing all stages of committee work, represents an important step towards fostering greater transparency within the organization.

For those unable to participate in real-time, comprehensive reports from dedicated advocates like Susan Thixton are expected to be provided shortly after the conclusion of the meetings. These post-meeting summaries will be crucial for disseminating complex