On January 22, 2025 the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) voted to approve a proposal from Kansas State University's Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe) to conduct the scientific review for their new animal food ingredient submission pathway.

This new pathway replaces the ingredient definition request process that was covered under the now-expired Memorandum of Understanding between AAFCO and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For more information about the new FDA ingredient approval process, read our article about Animal Food Ingredient Consultations.

Dr. Haley Larson will lead the new pathway, which will include a scientific panel of subject matter experts from universities across the U.S., as well as independent consultants in order to cover all species. The panel will evaluate potential ingredients and provide recommendations to AAFCO membership for final approval. Approved ingredients will be included in the AAFCO Official Publication.

If you have questions about animal food safety, please contact Dr. Marissa Cohen.