AAFCO Meeting begins Thursday August 10, 2017

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is set to convene its highly anticipated annual meeting in Bellevue, Washington, marking a critical juncture for pet food regulation and consumer advocacy. Beginning with an opening session at 8 AM Pacific Time on Thursday, August 10, 2017, the gathering brings together state and federal regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and consumer representatives to shape the future of animal feed and pet food standards across the United States. This biannual public meeting, alongside a continuous series of committee webinars throughout the year, serves as the primary forum where ingredient definitions are debated, labeling requirements are modernized, and model bills influencing state laws are drafted.

AAFCO, often described as an independent corporation or organization, plays a unique and influential role in the U.S. regulatory landscape. Its membership comprises representatives from State Departments of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unlike a direct government agency, AAFCO operates through consensus-building, drafting and "owning" the legal definitions for virtually all pet food and animal feed ingredients. Furthermore, it develops "model bills" which, while not laws themselves, are frequently adopted verbatim by individual states, thereby establishing uniform regulatory standards nationwide. This system grants AAFCO significant de facto authority over the safety, quality, and labeling of pet food products available to American consumers. The August 2017 meeting underscores this influence, particularly as critical discussions surrounding ingredient transparency and labeling modernization are on the agenda.

The Role and Structure of AAFCO

To understand the significance of the AAFCO meeting, it is essential to grasp the organization’s foundational role. Established in 1909, AAFCO’s initial purpose was to address inconsistencies in feed labeling and ingredient definitions across states, which hampered interstate commerce and left consumers vulnerable to fraudulent practices. Over more than a century, its mandate expanded to encompass pet food, reflecting the growing importance of companion animals in American households. Today, the pet food industry is a multi-billion dollar sector, with consumers increasingly scrutinizing ingredients and demanding higher quality and transparency. AAFCO’s structure, involving a blend of state and federal regulatory officials, allows for a unified approach to feed and pet food regulation, which is vital given the interstate nature of the industry.

The organization’s decision-making process involves various committees and working groups, where stakeholders—including pet food and animal feed manufacturers, ingredient providers, and consumer representatives—participate as advisors. This multi-stakeholder model is designed to incorporate diverse perspectives, though it often leads to complex negotiations given the differing priorities of commercial entities and consumer advocates. Public access to these twice-yearly meetings (held traditionally in January and August) allows for transparency, with opportunities for attendees to voice opinions during open microphone sessions. However, much of the detailed work, especially on intricate regulatory language, occurs in closed-door webinars throughout the year, with findings periodically presented at the public forums.

Key Sessions for Consumer Advocacy and Transparency

For pet owners and consumer advocates, two specific sessions at the August 2017 AAFCO meeting hold particular interest: the Ingredient Definitions Committee and the Pet Food Committee, both scheduled for Friday, August 11. These committees are at the forefront of discussions that directly impact the information consumers see on pet food labels and the quality of ingredients permitted in their pets’ diets.

The Ingredient Definitions Committee meeting, slated for 10:00 to 11:30 AM Pacific Time on Friday, August 11, is a crucial forum for establishing what can and cannot be used in pet food, and how these components are legally described. One item on its agenda, "5) Discussions: a) Status on high profile ingredients," has generated considerable anticipation. While the specific "high profile ingredients" are not publicly detailed beforehand, this agenda item typically refers to materials that are either new to the market, subject to controversy, or whose definitions require review in light of scientific advancements or evolving industry practices. Past examples of such debates have included discussions around rendered animal by-products, novel protein sources, or specific processing aids. The decisions made here directly influence ingredient sourcing for manufacturers and, consequently, the nutritional profiles and perceived quality of pet foods. Consumers can access the agenda for this session and participate remotely via WebEx or a conference call line (US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 660 195 549#).

Later on Friday, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, the Pet Food Committee meeting will address broader policy issues affecting pet food labeling and regulation. This session is particularly significant for consumer advocates, as it is expected to feature a public announcement from the FDA. The agency is anticipated to formally request that "feed/food labeling disclosure" be added to the duties of the ongoing Pet Food Label Modernization working group. This initiative, which includes prominent consumer representatives like Susan Thixton of TruthAboutPetFood.com and Mollie Morrissette, aims to revise and update pet food labeling laws, many of which have remained largely unchanged for decades.

The Push for "Feed/Food Labeling Disclosure"

The proposal for "feed/food labeling disclosure" represents a major push for transparency in the pet food industry. At its core, this initiative seeks to differentiate between ingredients that are deemed "human edible" or "food-grade" and those that are "feed-grade," often derived from rendered materials not fit for human consumption. This distinction is paramount for consumers who increasingly seek to feed their pets diets comparable to human food standards, often referred to as "human-grade" pet food. Currently, labels may not always clearly convey this difference, leading to consumer confusion and a lack of informed choice.

Consumer advocates, including Susan Thixton and Mollie Morrissette, have been instrumental in championing this disclosure. They have actively participated in the Pet Food Label Modernization working group, advocating for future label requirements that explicitly state whether ingredients meet human food standards. Their efforts were bolstered by a meeting with the FDA in June 2017, where the agency reportedly expressed full support for this label requirement. The public statement of support from the FDA at the AAFCO meeting is therefore eagerly awaited, as it would lend significant weight to the proposal and increase its likelihood of adoption into future model bills.

In a tangible demonstration of public demand, consumer signatures to a petition supporting the "feed/food labeling requirement" were to be presented to the Pet Food Committee. This collective voice underscores the widespread desire among pet owners for greater clarity regarding ingredient quality and sourcing. The petition, which had a deadline of August 8, 2017, highlights the proactive role consumers and their advocates are playing in shaping regulatory policy. The full request submitted by consumer advocates to the FDA regarding this labeling requirement can be reviewed on the regulations.gov website (document FDA-2016-P-3578-0004). Remote participation for the Pet Food Committee meeting is also available via WebEx or conference call (US TOLL 1-650-479-3207, Access code: 666 808 790 #).

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The discussions at the August 2017 AAFCO meeting have significant implications for various stakeholders. For pet food manufacturers, potential new labeling requirements, particularly the feed/food disclosure, could necessitate changes in ingredient sourcing, production practices, and marketing strategies. Manufacturers utilizing human-grade ingredients might gain a competitive advantage through clearer labeling, while those relying on feed-grade materials may face pressure to adapt or more explicitly define their product’s composition. The "Status on high profile ingredients" discussion could also lead to new restrictions or allowances, impacting ingredient supply chains and product formulations.

For consumers, the potential outcome is increased transparency and empowerment. A clearer distinction between feed-grade and food-grade ingredients would allow pet owners to make more informed choices, aligning their purchasing decisions with their values regarding pet nutrition and welfare. This aligns with a broader trend in the pet industry, where the "humanization of pets" has led to a demand for products that mirror human food quality and safety standards. The ability to easily identify the quality of ingredients could significantly enhance consumer trust in pet food products.

The FDA’s anticipated public support for feed/food labeling disclosure is a crucial development. While AAFCO model bills are not federal law, FDA endorsement provides substantial credibility and encourages states to adopt these recommendations. This collaboration between AAFCO and FDA is vital for ensuring uniform and effective regulation across state lines. The Pet Food Label Modernization working group, with its diverse membership, including consumer advocates, represents a forward-thinking approach to updating regulations to meet contemporary consumer expectations and industry practices.

The ongoing nature of these discussions, from the intensive webinar meetings of the working groups to the biannual public sessions, reflects the complexity and continuous evolution of the pet food industry. The August 2017 AAFCO meeting is not merely an isolated event but a critical chapter in the ongoing effort to enhance pet food safety, quality, and transparency. The outcomes of these discussions will undoubtedly resonate throughout the industry, shaping the regulatory landscape and consumer experience for years to come. For those unable to participate directly, a comprehensive report detailing the meeting’s proceedings and decisions will be made available in the days following its conclusion, ensuring that the broader public remains informed about these vital developments.