The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new guidance, GFI #294, aimed at streamlining the regulatory process for animal food ingredients. The guidance establishes a structured framework for innovators to consult with the agency, ensuring safety standards are met before market entry.
This new process replaces the FDA-Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) pathway, which officially ended on 1 October, 2024. The AAFCO process was one of the main routes for bringing safe ingredients to market, and the most commonly used by ingredient suppliers.
The new guidance introduces the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC) program, which will allow firms developing animal food ingredients to voluntarily consult with the FDA. This initiative is set to continue while the FDA evaluates its existing Food Additive Petition (FAP) and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) programs. The AFIC process aims to reduce delays, close gaps in ingredient reviews, and establish consistent standards to prevent market disruptions. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) supports the guidance, with CEO Constance Cullman praising it as a positive development. The AFIA plans to work with the FDA to ensure the program is efficient and flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of the animal nutrition industry.
