In the United States, a robust regulatory framework, overseen by the FDA and complemented by state-level regulations, sets the standard for ensuring animal health and consumer confidence. These regulations control ingredient listing, nutritional claims, and labeling requirements, empowering pet owners and feed purchasers to make informed decisions. The industry’s reputation depends on manufacturers’ compliance with these regulations.
Safety is the No. 1 priority for feed and pet food producers. Customers have to be confident that you’re acting responsibly and that every ingredient is safe and traceable. So how do feed and pet food producers successfully secure regulatory approval while maintaining unbroken market access and regularly launching new products?
PCAF
In 2015, the FDA published the Preventive Controls for Animal Food (PCAF) rule, which laid out current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) and hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls (PC) requirements for animal food. Under this rule, animal food producers must put in place an analysis of hazards and a range of risk-based controls to prevent or minimize those hazards. And a belt-and-braces approach means that this whole process must be verifiable.
The AAFCO Animal Feed Labeling Guide
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an organization of state and federal regulators, publishes the AAFCO Animal Feed Labeling Guide, which provides clear guidelines and standards in areas such as ingredient declaration, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy, and feeding directions. This ensures the safety, quality, and accurate labeling of animal feeds, protecting the health and well-being of animals and ensuring customers know exactly what they’re buying.
New guidelines for pet food labeling
The AAFCO has recently approved new guidelines for pet food and specialty pet food labeling, including standardized nutritional information, clear ingredient statements, as well as storage and handling instructions, bringing labeling up to a similar standard to that demanded of human-grade food. One new stipulation is that the intended use statement should be included in the lower-third of the front display panel. Manufacturers have six years to fully comply with these new regulations.
Feed Additive Compendium
The Feed Additive Compendium gives you the most up-to-date information on which medicated additives can be used, how much can be included, and for what animals and reasons. It lists all the animal drugs currently available for use in animal food production, their regulatory status, and the approved uses. It also includes sample product labels and outlines labeling requirements and safety guidelines for drugs and drug combinations. All this makes the guide essential to animal feed manufacturers, veterinarians, and regulatory authorities.
Defining label compliancy challenges in the feed industry
There are four barriers to compliance that manufacturers commonly face:
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Staying up to date with legislative changes is a task that demands continuous adaptation to evolving regulations.
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Efficient label generation: designing compliant labels requires time and effort to ensure product representation aligns with regulatory standards.
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Integration of feed production: merging the production process, label generation, and compliance significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of your workflow.
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Presentation of information in a user-friendly manner: presenting information in an accessible and clear manner fosters trust.
These interconnected challenges highlight the importance of proactive management and adaptation, underlining the importance of maintaining compliance quality and transparency standards.
Overcoming label complexity with BESTMIX® Software
Navigating label requirements can feel like solving a maze, taking up valuable time and effort. That’s why you need a trusted partner to guide you through the process. BESTMIX’s feed formulation software can manage, generate, and print all your labels with just the click of a button, automatically creating compliant labels that match your branding. Our solution seamlessly integrates AAFCO and US Feed Compendium legislation to ensure that you’re following the most up-to-date guidelines, saving you time, ensuring compliance, and ultimately allowing you to effortlessly tackle complex regulations.
About BESTMIX® Software
BESTMIX® Software is the ultimate choice for feed and pet food producers seeking excellence, offering comprehensive, easy-to-use solutions for formulation, labeling, and compliance. Renowned for its accessibility and affordability, BESTMIX® Software simplifies the compliance process and streamlines the workflow of feed and pet food producers of all sizes. With your compliance guaranteed, you’re free to focus on what matters — your core business.
Ready to elevate your labeling process? Contact us today to discover more about BESTMIX® Software and schedule a free software demonstration!
Watch the Webinar recording:‘Compliancy: How to simplify compliance processes in feed and pet food formulation
What you will learn:
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Stay ahead of regulations: Gain insights into how BESTMIX® software integrates regulations such as AAFCO rules and US Feed Compendium, keeping you ahead of regulatory changes and ensuring compliance without the hassle.
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Boost efficiency and save time: Discover how BESTMIX® streamlines compliance processes, automates label generation, and updates, allowing you to allocate resources efficiently and focus on core activities, ultimately saving you valuable time.
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Mitigate risk: Learn how compliance frameworks in BESTMIX® reduce the risk of incorrect product formulations, helping you avoid costly penalties and maintain the highest standards of safety and quality in your feed products.
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Enhance product quality and reputation: Understand how accurate labeling and product specifications provided by BESTMIX® contribute to consistent product quality, leading to increased customer satisfaction and enhanced brand reputation in the market.