Spotlight on FDA’s role in the AAFCO feed ingredient definition process

The online event will take place on February 9, 2023.

The agency said it accepting public comments in a docket along with requests to speak​​ during the virtual consultation.

In terms of the scope of the meeting, the FDA said it is seeking constructive input on specifically how to improve FDA’s role in the feed ingredient definition process of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The meeting will not address other aspects of animal food regulation, it stressed.

Attendees will hear about the FDA-AAFCO relationship, and the potential changes to the way FDA’s CVM supports the AAFCO feed ingredient definition process.

AAFCO, which is a group of state, federal, and international regulatory officials that partner to support uniform animal food regulatory systems, providing model laws and regulations that nearly all US states have adopted as the basis for their feed regulatory programs, will give an overview of the workings of its organization, and how its collaborative efforts with the FDA.

Constructive feedback sought

However, the FDA said the bulk of the meeting time will be given over stakeholders, allowing them the opportunity to share constructive feedback and suggestions with the agency on its role in the feed ingredient definition process.  

The US regulator said stakeholder presentations or written comments should be limited to addressing one or more of the following questions:

• What steps can the FDA take to improve stakeholder understanding of FDA’s engagement with AAFCO’s feed ingredient definition process and better communicate this information with the public?
• What changes to the FDA’s role in AAFCO’s feed ingredient definition process would be helpful to stakeholders and why?
• If the FDA made a list of AAFCO feed ingredient definition requests publicly available, where would stakeholders prefer to find such a list and what information would stakeholders like to see with such a list?
• What do stakeholders view as successful or valuable in FDA’s continued participation as the scientific reviewers for new AAFCO feed ingredient definitions?