The New AAFCO Common Food Index (CFI) - How Will It Impact Ingredients in Pet Food?

Common foods are defined as; “Food items commercially available and suitable for use in animal food but not defined by AAFCO, including but not limited to certain whole seeds, vegetables, or fruits. Common food for animals may include common human foods that are known to be safe for the intended use in animal food. Manufacturers are responsible for determining whether a common food is safe and has [nutritional] utility for its intended use prior to commercial distribution as animal food.” AAFCO has instituted a repository, referred to as the Common Food Index (CFI), of common foods that may be appropriate for use in animal food and serve as a tool for use in review of ingredients on an animal food label, providing harmonization and transparency. AAFCO has also developed and has made available a defined process for a subcommittee of experiences ingredient definition and label reviewers to help assess submissions of new ingredients for consideration and recommendations for acceptance in the CFI.