New animal food ingredient review process is approved by AAFCO

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Animal food ingredient submissions for the “Official Publication”—a yearly publication of the most widely recognized and comprehensive list of approved feed ingredients globally by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)—will be evaluated by the Kansas State University (KSU) Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe) as part of an approved proposal from K-State Olathe. In a recent news release, AAFCO announced that its membership voted ‘yes’ to a K-State Olathe proposal to provide a scientific review for a new animal food ingredient submission pathway.

The new process replaces AAFCO’s previous “Ingredient Definition Request” procedure, which identified the safety, utility, and identity of ingredients used in animal food with scientific and technical help from the FDA. According to AAFCO, the former process ended with the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AAFCO and the FDA last year.¹

Speaking of the new pathway, Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO said in a news release, "We understand the animal feed industry has much to consider when introducing a new proposed ingredient. We're committed to a collaborative process that is safe, scientific and streamlined to meet the industry's demand for new ingredients while upholding AAFCO's unwavering standards for animal and human health."¹

“AAFCO's partnership with K-State Olathe begins a new era of innovation and proficiency for the animal feed industry," he continued.¹ "This new pathway will offer a regulatory review process that is straightforward and comprehensive to bring ingredients to market safely and more efficiently than our previous process with FDA.”

The new ingredient approval pathway will be directed by Haley Larson, PhD, assistant professor at KSU, and will include a scientific review panel of experts from US universities and independent consultants, providing a broad representation of all animal species, according to AAFCO.¹ The panel will assess ingredient submissions from the industry and make recommendations to AAFCO members for final approval. Once approved, ingredients will be added to AAFCO's “Official Publication.” According to AAFCO, the document is recognized by state and international regulators as well as the animal food industry.

AAFCO plays a key role in developing uniform standards and regulations that are adopted by most US states to ensure the safety and quality of animal food products. The organization also develops model laws and regulations that serve as the foundation for animal feed programs across the country.²

Members of AAFCO include government officials from US states, federal agencies, and other countries. These officials are responsible for executing laws and regulations related to the production, labeling, distribution, use, and sale of animal food and its ingredients, including pet food and livestock feed, according to the FDA.²

"We're honored to partner with AAFCO and apply our scientific and technical expertise to ensuring the safety and quality of animal food ingredients," Ben Wolfe, dean and CEO of K-State Olathe, said in a release.¹ "We look forward to working closely with AAFCO to implement this transformative approach and foster a regulatory environment that benefits producers, consumers and the broader community."

K-State Olathe specializes in professional education, research, and outreach in food safety, animal health, and bioscience. According to the university, K-State Olathe’s campus functions as a center for applied research, professional education, and industry collaboration.³

According to AAFCO, the new pathway will support the FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice program, which lets people and companies notify the agency if a substance is safe to use as intended. The pathway is also intended to “provide the feed industry with another option to bring new and innovative products to the market,” per AAFCO.¹ Additionally, procedures have been outlined to prevent ingredients from being submitted through multiple avenues.

References

1. AAFCO membership votes yes on new regulatory pathway for animal food ingredients. News release. Association of American Feed Control Officials. January 22, 2025. Accessed January 22, 2025.
2. FDA Enforcement Policy for AAFCO-Defined Animal Feed Ingredients. US Food and Drug Administration. Accessed January 22, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/media/180441/download#:~:text=in%20its%20Official%20Publication%20(OP),-AAFCO%20is%20an&text=AAFCO%20provides%20a%20mechanism%20for,and%20sale%20of%20animal%20food.
3. K-State Olathe. Kansas State University. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/economic-impact/olathe.html