The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a new framework for reviewing animal food ingredients through the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC) program, as outlined in Guidance for Industry (GFI) 294. This development marks a significant shift in animal food regulation, providing an alternative to the recently concluded process coordinated with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Key points of the new framework include:
- A structured pathway for ingredient innovators to consult with the FDA
- Clear specifications for submission requirements and data needed for FDA evaluation
- Aims to minimize delays in bringing safe ingredients to market and reduce potential gaps in ingredient reviews
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed support for this new guidance. AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman stated, "The AFIA strongly advocated for a clear, modern FDA process that balances regulatory oversight with industry flexibility, and we are pleased to see that several of our recommendations are reflected in this new FDA guidance."
Cullman also emphasized the association's commitment to working closely with the FDA to ensure the program's efficiency and inclusivity. The AFIA plans to continue advocating for a streamlined approach that allows the industry to innovate and bring safe, high-quality ingredients to market faster.
This regulatory change replaces the FDA-AAFCO pathway that ended on October 1, 2024, which was one of the industry's primary methods for introducing safe ingredients to the market. The FDA's goal for the AFIC program is to establish consistent standards and prevent market disruptions while maintaining safety standards.
