Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC)
On October 1, 2024 the Memorandum of Understanding between the FDA and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) expired and was not renewed.
The FDA is currently exploring an interim pathway for new ingredient review and approval, called the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC). While the Food Additive Petition (FAP) and Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) pathways will remain unchanged, this new pathway is meant to provide an additional route for ingredient approvals.
This new pathway allows firms to consult with the FDA about the safety of products before they are marketed and allows for public awareness of the products FDA is providing consultation on.
The guidance document provides a comprehensive list of requirements for firms who wish to submit ingredients for consideration under AFIC.
Pending and completed AFICs will be posted on the FDA’s website. Public information may include the substance, intended use, intended species, and the submitter. Once completed, the website will be updated with FDA’s consultation complete letter, which summarizes the information FDA reviewed in order to conclude whether there are questions about the safety of the proposed ingredient.
If you have questions about animal food safety, contact Marissa Cohen.
