Pet Food Institute champions national pet food regulatory reform

USA – The Pet Food Institute (PFI) has thrown its weight behind reintroducing the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act (PURR Act), a bipartisan bill to modernise how pet food is regulated in the United States. 

If passed, the legislation would grant the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exclusive authority over the labelling and ingredient review process for pet food and treats, replacing the current state-by-state regulatory system.  

Dana Brooks, president and CEO of PFI, emphasised the importance of the reform for pet owners and manufacturers alike. 

“Dog and cat owners want high-quality pet foods that reflect the latest in nutritional science and innovation. This legislation ensures predictable, national standards that encourage progress and speed to market,” Brooks stated.  

Introduced on Jan. 21 by Representatives Steve Womack (R-Ark.), Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.), Josh Harder (D-Calif.), David Valadao (R-Calif.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), the PURR Act aims to replace what Womack described as a “nearly 100-year-old, costly and confusing dual regulatory system.” 

He explained, “This legislation eliminates red tape, empowering pet food manufacturers to deliver nutritious products more efficiently.”  

The PURR Act proposes centralised federal oversight, ensuring consistency in ingredient approvals and labelling standards across all states. 

This change would eliminate the disparities caused by varying state interpretations of regulations, which have long frustrated manufacturers and slowed innovation. 

The bill also includes clear performance benchmarks for the FDA, such as defined timelines for reviewing and approving new ingredients, all under congressional oversight.  

Representative Schmidt highlighted the challenges pet food producers face under the current regulatory framework. 

“Archaic regulations stifle innovation, forcing producers to navigate mismatched guidelines instead of focusing on developing quality products,” he said. “This legislation will streamline standards, benefiting businesses and pet owners.”  

While the FDA would take over label reviews, state agricultural departments would continue to handle product registrations and quality inspections. 

By aligning pet food regulations with the streamlined system used for human food, the PURR Act promises significant benefits for the US$50 billion US pet food industry.  

The bill follows recent regulatory changes, including the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) transitioning away from its partnership with the FDA and introducing its ingredient approval pathway. 

As Representative Harder noted, “This reform ensures that no matter where pet food is bought, it meets the same high standards for nutrition and quality.”  

With nearly 66% of US households owning pets, the PURR Act can potentially improve access to safe, nutritious food while fostering innovation in the pet food industry.