Labeling of animal feed in the EU and beyond.

From ingredients to sales, globally the quality of pet food is strictly regulated at every level of the supply chain by government laws as well as self-regulation. Thanks to its close cooperation with various authorities and universities, Global Alliance of Pet Food Industry Associations (GAPFA) offers a thorough system of self-regulation, such as guidelines for pet food safety or practical advice on the implementation of legal standards. Indeed, apart from where pet food is produced, its quality must comply with the regulations of the country where it is sold.

Europe

In the European Union, the rules for processing pet food are laid down in Regulations (EC) 1069/2009 and (EU) 142/2011. Here you can also find information on commercial documents and health certificates. In addition, the General Food Law and Regulation (EC) 183/2005 lay down the basic principles on feed hygiene regulations. Principles for labeling, presentation and use of claims are laid down separately in Regulation (EC) 767/2009. This regulation also establishes principles for the marketing of pet food with a particular nutritional purpose.

Complementing government regulations, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) offers a self-regulation system. In cooperation with the industry, FEDIAF has developed three EU-recognized codes:

• Nutrition guidelines for complete and complementary pet food for cats and dogs,
• Guide to good practice for the manufacture of safe pet food and
• FEDIAF code of good labeling practice for pet food.

FEDIAF also provides advice to pet owners.

As on food, claims are also used on pet food. However, unlike claims on food, claims on pet food are evaluated separately using FEDIAF codes of practice and based on the National Assessment Framework Claims on Pet Food (Medicines Evaluation Board).

United States

In the United States, the production and quality of pet food is regulated both nationally and regionally. Nationwide, manufacturers and suppliers must comply with the measures in the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) and Food Safety Modernization Act. This legislation emphasizes identification and control of potential hazards. Required labeling includes net content, analysis of specific nutrients and both name and address of the distributor or manufacturer. In addition, the U.S. follows additional measures from Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which are not addressed in federal legislation.

China

Due to its huge potential, China is among the major market players in pet food. The most recent regulations issued by the Ministry of Agriculture lay down specific definitions, labeling and safety requirements for both imported and China-produced pet food. This legislation also covers remote sales.

Australia

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) is the point of contact for pet food labeling, export and import questions. As a member of GAPFA, PFIAA represents the interests of the pet food industry and works with government and consumers.

In conclusion

As becomes clear with the above, the regulations in various countries are very different, which does not make product labeling easy. Therefore, good knowledge of the relevant legislation is much needed for many companies, but not always easy to fathom.

Are you curious what Précon can do for you? Please feel free to contact us at +31 30 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com or follow our animal nutrition labeling training.