In this webinar, Austin Therrell, Executive Director of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), explains how the United States regulates animal food and pet food. The webinar is hosted by Kim Cassar, Head of Global Marketing for Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health. Consequently, the session offers pet food manufacturers, animal nutrition professionals, and ingredient suppliers practical insight into how regulators protect food safety. It also explains how they continue to support innovation across the industry.
To begin, Therrell outlines the U.S. animal food regulatory framework, which depends on close collaboration between federal and state authorities. He first describes the FDA’s role under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). He then explains how state feed control officials carry out most facility inspections, product sampling, and enforcement activities. Together, these partners form the Integrated Food Safety System, which helps ensure consistent oversight and accountability nationwide.
Next, the webinar highlights AAFCO’s central role in regulatory consistency. Founded in 1909, AAFCO brings regulators, industry stakeholders, and consumers together to align animal food regulations across all states. Specifically, Therrell explains how AAFCO develops the Model Bill and Regulations. He also describes how AAFCO publishes the AAFCO Official Publication, supports laboratory proficiency testing, and maintains the Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. These resources guide formulation and labeling decisions throughout the animal nutrition and pet food industries.
Following this overview, Therrell shifts focus to state regulatory activities and labeling compliance. He walks through how regulators review commercial feed labels and evaluate product claims to ensure accuracy and transparency. In addition, he clarifies common points of confusion around claims such as “human‑grade” and “natural,”. This helps brands better understand how regulators interpret these terms and what documentation supports compliant labeling.
A major portion of the session then centers on AAFCO’s Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) initiative. In response to growing consumer demand for clearer information, this multi‑year effort aims to modernize pet food labels by 2030. As Therrell explains, proposed updates include a standardized Pet Nutrition Facts box, updated fiber and carbohydrate guarantees, and clearer intended use statements. The proposal also includes improved handling and storage guidance. Collectively, these changes represent one of the most significant updates to pet food labeling in decades.
Finally, the webinar concludes with an overview of animal food ingredient approval pathways, including FDA Food Additive Petitions, GRAS notifications, and the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation process. Therrell also discusses new initiatives designed to improve review timelines and support innovation. A live Q&A closes the session by addressing current regulatory challenges, future policy considerations, and opportunities for industry engagement with AAFCO.
Overall, this video delivers a clear and authoritative look at animal food regulation in the U.S. It demonstrates how ongoing collaboration between regulators and industry continues to protect animals and consumers—while adapting to evolving science, market demands, and consumer expectations.
