The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has announced an initiative aimed at streamlining the evaluation of new animal food ingredients. In collaboration with Kansas State University Olathe, AAFCO has introduced the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program, designed to expedite scientific assessments while adhering to high standards of rigor and transparency.
A promise of rapid and accurate assessments
The SRIS program expresses the ability to conduct evaluations at twice the speed of traditional methods, this new process promises to enhance efficiency for veterinary professionals and industry stakeholders alike. AAFCO’s announcement mentions the following program goal: to provide rapid, accurate assessments that will be accepted by state regulators throughout the United States.
This initiative comes in the wake of AAFCO’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which expired last October. Under the previous arrangement, the FDA handled ingredient reviews without any associated costs. However, the SRIS program introduces a submission fee for the program. AAFCO Executive Director Austin Therrell explained that these fees will help cover administrative costs incurred by AAFCO and Kansas State University to ensure timely evaluations.
Veterinary professionals should note that while the SRIS process aims to complement the FDA’s existing frameworks, such as the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation, it operates independently. Firms seeking ingredient approval will still need to navigate federal processes for full recognition, including submitting applications to the FDA.
Quality, safety and transparency
The SRIS initiative promises to enhance the speed of ingredient evaluations and to uphold rigorous scientific standards. AAFCO’s promise of transparency in the review process aims to make veterinary professionals to stay informed about the latest approved ingredients.
As the SRIS program gears up for its launch later this year, AAFCO has called for subject matter experts to join its independent review panel. This development represents a promising step forward in animal food safety and regulatory efficiency.
