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The AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) gives out model language for definitions, guidance and best practices related to dog foods, but they do not regulate, test, approve or certify pet foods.
You may see “AAFCO Approved” on some types of dog foods. This is FALSE statement. Each state makes its own feed laws, regulations and policies and it is actually the local, state and federal authorities that regulate your pet’s food. Most states do base their regulations on AAFCO’s guidance, but they are not forced to follow those guidelines.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was founded in September 1906.
AAFCO’s longstanding purpose has been to serve as a venue for feed regulators to explore the problems encountered in administering feed laws; to develop just and equitable standards, definitions and policies for the enforcement of feed laws; and to promote uniformity in laws, regulations and enforcement policies. AAFCO has created a large number of models providing guidance, definitions, terms and best-management practices in addition to the Model Bill and Model Feed Regulations (including Model Pet Food Regulations)
Individuals can purchase memberships to AAFCO, but the memberships are limited to employees of state, dominion or other government agencies in North America who regulate animal foods, like pet foods. Some companies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are members of the AAFCO. When voting on an issue, each AAFCO member gets one vote.
The FDA’s role
The FDA participates in AAFCO meetings and training sessions to help with feed regulators and issues. They are a voting member of AAFCO. According to ACCFCO, they bring expertise and help with judging whether or not ingredients defined by AAFCO are safe.
Although the AAFCO has no authority to regulate, test, approve or certify pet food, individual AAFCO members do have authority to regulate animal food within their jurisdictions.
Although individual AAFCO members have the authority to regulate animal feed within their jurisdictions, AAFCO itself has no regulatory authority whatsoever.
AAFCO members do meet to establish particular models for animal feed and pet foods. Then, they take the models they have formed and share them with the legislative branches in their states, which then gets broken down into laws and rules.
Thought this information was interesting.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
