
On January 22, 2025, members of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) adopted a significant proposal from the Olathe Innovation Campus at Kansas State University.
This proposal aims to create a scientific review process specifically for the submission of new animal food ingredients.
The move comes after AAFCO retired its previous Ingredient Definition Request system, which had become obsolete due to the end of its cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
New Ingredient Approval Framework
At the heart of this revamped ingredient approval framework will be a panel made up of scientific specialists from various U.S. universities and independent consulting firms.
This diverse group will bring together expertise in a wide array of procedures, animal nutrition, and different species of animals.
Their primary responsibility will be to evaluate industry submissions regarding new ingredients.
Following their assessments, they will provide their insights and recommendations to AAFCO’s membership, which will ultimately have the final say through a voting process.
Once an ingredient secures approval, it will be featured in AAFCO’s Official Publication.
Complementing the GRAS Program
AAFCO has emphasized that this new pathway is designed to complement the FDA’s existing Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) Notice program.
The initiative aims to create an additional channel for the feed industry, facilitating the introduction of innovative and novel products to the marketplace.
Submissions will resemble the format of a GRAS Notice, and a tiered fee structure will be applied based on the intricacy of each submission.
AAFCO intends to launch this program by May 2025.
Monitoring Developments
Keller and Heckman LLP will keep a close eye on these developments and provide updates as significant information emerges.
Source: Natlawreview