On February 15, new federal legislation that would modernize and streamline how pet food is regulated was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Under the proposed bill, the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2024 (H.R.7380), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have regulatory authority over the labeling and ingredient review process for dog and cat food and treats, replacing the outdated and inconsistent state-by-state approach currently used for ingredient and label approval.
The Pet Food Institute (PFI) noted in a press statement that the proposed bill language solely impacts pet food label reviews and codifies ingredients and marketing claims in the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication. AAFCO acts as an intermediary between state, federal and international feed regulators to create ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards. AAFCO’s annual Official Publication creates a listing generally recognized by states and other countries for ingredient definitions allowed on commercial feed labels.
AAFCO told Petfood Industry that it was provided a draft of the PURR Act shortly before it was formally introduced to Congress. "AAFCO was not consulted or invited to be involved in the drafting of H.R.7380," said Austin Therrell, the executive director of AAFCO. "As a result of AAFCO’s limited input, we do have many concerns related the proposed legislation. At this time AAFCO is collaborating with numerous trade organizations with insight into the feed industry to review our concerns and determine the best next steps."
The PURR Act does not impact food safety or nutrition, said PFI.
“Dog and cat owners not only want to ensure the same high quality and safe pet foods they trust to nourish their beloved dogs and cats but expect the products to reflect the latest in nutritional science and ingredient innovation,” said PFI president and CEO Dana Brooks. “To continue delivering on that commitment, we are supporting federal legislation that would replace the current inefficient patchwork approach between states and the federal government with consistent national standards that are predictable, clearly defined and encourage innovation and speed to market.”
PURR Act designed to eliminate red tape, centralize oversight
The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.).
"Pet food makers produce nearly 10 million tons of food annually and are crucial to American agriculture," said Rep. LaTurner. "Costly and outdated regulations have made it difficult for pet food manufacturers nationwide to invest in research and development for new and improved products."
LaTurner noted the bipartisan PURR Act is designed to eliminate red tape and allow pet food makers to deliver the best nutritional outcomes for dogs and cats.
The proposed legislation would provide for centralized federal regulatory oversight by the FDA and eliminate inconsistent state interpretations and decisions impacting ingredient and pet food label approvals that adversely affect consumer access to safe and nutritious products. The legislation calls for clearly defined performance measures for the FDA, including new ingredient review and approval timelines, overseen by the U.S. Congress, explained Congressman Cuellar, Ph.D.
“The PURR Act includes necessary reforms to streamline and update pet food regulations in the United States, " he said. "I am pleased to cosponsor this bipartisan bill that will encourage innovation among pet food manufacturers while protecting the health and well-being of our pets."
Label and ingredient approvals would come from the FDA
Under the new legislation, state departments of agriculture and other state officials would still engage in quality inspections and product registrations, but label and ingredient approvals would be streamlined under the FDA. The law would result in a modernized pet food regulatory framework more similar to how human foods are regulated, said Rep. Womack.
“Pet food manufacturers deal with a confusing, costly and conflicting dual regulatory system that hasn't been updated in nearly 100 years," he said. "The PURR Act would streamline the outdated system by granting sole authority to the FDA to regulate the labeling and marketing of pet food while eliminating the state-by-state regulatory patchwork."
For its part, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) told Petfood Industry that it strives to achieve regulatory harmonization that does not hinder the production or sale of safe, quality animal food products in the U.S. The association is currently considering any unintended consequences this bill could introduce; therefore, AFIA does not currently have a position on H.R. 7380.
"Given AFIA’s membership spans the total animal food industry, beyond just manufacturers for cat and dog food, we are soliciting feedback through our member committees to assist in developing a policy position," the association said.
PFI's Brooks said pet owners agree on the need for an uninterrupted supply of safe, high-quality and innovative pet products.
"Now is the time for pet food regulations to be streamlined to better meet the needs of pets and pet owners in the 21st century and beyond,” Brooks said.
