Introducing the New Model Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food Regulations

Be informed, be prepared and be positioned to help educate your employees and customers about these new requirements. In 2015, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) began the Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) project to modernize and update the model regulations that set new requirements for pet food labeling. The goal is to provide consumers with labeling information that is transparent, easy to understand, and in a format more familiar to consumers. This has been a meticulous process where AAFCO has conducted multiple rounds of consumer research, formed numerous workgroups that consisted of both regulators and pet food industry advisors, and solicited open feedback during a public comment period. New labels will have “Nutrition Facts” boxes that more closely resemble human food labeling and include a nutritional adequacy statement. Additionally, Product Purpose Statements are required on the front display panel to help easily identify the intended life state and purpose.