AAFCO raises concerns over proposed PURR Act

USA- The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has voiced apprehensions regarding the recently proposed Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024 (PURR Act), citing potential risks to consumer protection and pet food safety. 

Introduced to the House on February 15, the PURR Act has sparked debate within the industry, with AAFCO highlighting significant concerns over its implications.

Under the PURR Act, regulatory oversight of pet foods and treats would transition from state-by-state to federal jurisdiction under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

While advocated by the Pet Food Institute as a move towards modernization and streamlining, AAFCO warns that this shift could lead to a reduction in label transparency and compromise consumer safety.

Austin Therrell, Executive Director of AAFCO, emphasized the vital role played by state feed programs in safeguarding consumers from misleading or mislabeled pet food products. 

He expressed concern that the PURR Act would dismantle this crucial layer of protection, allowing manufacturers to distribute products without rigorous premarket reviews conducted by state regulators.

“State feed programs serve as the frontline defense, ensuring that marketing claims on pet food labels are accurate and backed by scientific data,” stated Therrell. “The PURR Act threatens to erode this fundamental aspect of consumer protection.”

AAFCO further raised the alarm over language within the PURR Act that could permit manufacturers to use ambiguous phrases on the packaging, such as “ingredients sometimes present,” potentially leading to confusion among consumers regarding the composition of pet food products. 

This lack of transparency, according to AAFCO, poses health risks to pets, particularly those with specific dietary needs or allergen requirements.

While acknowledging the need for regulatory efficiency and innovation in the pet food industry, AAFCO contends that these objectives must be pursued within a framework that prioritizes safety and transparency. 

Therrell stressed the importance of collaborating between state governments and the FDA to uphold robust safety inspections and protect consumers from unsafe or fraudulent products.

“Engaging states in the regulatory process is essential to creating a modernized system that ensures the safety and integrity of pet food products,” concluded Therrell.

As discussions surrounding the PURR Act continue, AAFCO advocates for a balanced approach that upholds stringent safety standards while fostering innovation and efficiency in the pet food industry. 

The association remains committed to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting transparency in pet food labeling and marketing practices.

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