FDA Releases Two Draft Guidances, Seeks Public Comment on Pre-market Animal Food Ingredient Review Programs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released a set of documents regarding the transition phase after the FDA’s longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) expires on October 1, 2024.

To be legally marketed, an ingredient used in animal food (including pet food) must be the subject of an FDA-approved animal food additive petition (FAP) or be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for the intended use in animal food. Under the MOU, the FDA has been providing scientific and technical assistance to AAFCO as they decide whether to include ingredients in the AAFCO Official Publication.

Although the MOU is expiring, AAFCO remains an important partner to the FDA. The FDA will continue to work closely with AAFCO and state regulatory partners to help ensure the safety of the animal food supply.