AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary association of state and federal agencies that regulate animal feeds and pet foods in the United States. It coordinates the development of model statutes, regulations, and labeling guidelines to support uniform oversight across jurisdictions.

AAFCO develops definitions for feed ingredients, sets nutrient profiles for dog and cat foods, and approves methods for evaluating compliance, including feeding trials and formulated-to-meet-nutrient-profiles approaches. Its official publications contain these model regulations and the nutrient profiles used to determine labeling claims. AAFCO also provides standardized language for pet-food labeling, such as the statement that a product is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles. The organization conducts annual meetings and maintains resources for regulators and industry.

Enforcement and adoption: AAFCO itself does not enforce laws; member jurisdictions adopt AAFCO model regulations into their statutes and regulations, and state feed-control officials enforce them. Labeling requirements typically include a guaranteed analysis and a statement indicating compliance with AAFCO nutrient profiles when appropriate.

Membership and scope: Members are state and federal regulatory agencies responsible for animal feeds, and the organization also engages with industry representatives and consumer groups to discuss regulation and policy. The AAFCO process aims to promote consumer protection, product consistency, and fair competition.