Dog and cat food requires a more transparent and streamlined regulatory process with a modernized, federal approach to reduce state-by-state inconsistencies. Therefore, PFI is supporting an effort to modernize the regulatory framework.

The campaign would:

• Transition the regulation of pet food from a patchwork of state government approach to one authority housed under the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) leadership that would provide clear and transparent national regulation for dog and cat foods.
• Preempt any state government from requiring label reviews or premarket approval.
• Require the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to conduct and coordinate timely science-based reviews of pet food ingredient submissions and submit a yearly report to Congress on performance metrics.
• Permit ingredients identified as accepted for use in pet food under chapter 6 of the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication to continue to be lawfully used and deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
• Permit current claims, such as tartar control, human grade, natural and others to continue to be used and be regulated by FDA CVM.

PFI’s mission is to support the pet food industry by advocating for transparent, science-based regulation. We are proud to work on initiatives that would benefit pet food makers, pet owners, and pets.

The next stage is for Congressional intervention. Because of individual state feed laws, the only way to modernize the regulatory system is to pass federal legislation that provides for a centralized, federal hub for pet food regulation.