New AAFCO review program promises faster feed ingredient approvals

USA – A new scientific review program jointly launched by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and Kansas State University’s Olathe Innovation Campus is set to revolutionise how animal feed ingredients are approved in the United States.

Announced in early 2025, the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program is designed to accelerate the approval process for new animal feed and pet food ingredients while upholding rigorous safety and scientific standards. 

The initiative, approved by AAFCO members in January, will offer evaluations at twice the speed of traditional review methods.

“The SRIS program marks a pivotal milestone in a new era of innovation and efficiency for the animal food industry,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. 

“We believe this accelerated approval process will promote scientific advancement and efficiency, while simultaneously maintaining the rigorous safety standards that our animals and consumers deserve.”

The program functions through a collaborative workflow. Applicants will submit their proposed feed ingredients to AAFCO, which will compile each into a formal review package. 

These submissions will then be evaluated by a panel of scientific experts assembled by K-State Olathe, led by Haley Larson, Ph.D. 

The panel will include specialists from universities across the country and independent consultants, all tasked with providing scientifically grounded recommendations to AAFCO for final approval.

“It’s an exciting time for the advancement of the safety and quality of animal food ingredients,” Larson said. 

“We are honoured to contribute our scientific and technical expertise to a collaborative process that is safe, scientific and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients while upholding AAFCO’s unwavering standards for animal and human health.”

Approved ingredients will be added to AAFCO’s Official Publication, widely recognised by regulators and industry stakeholders as the authoritative list of approved animal feed ingredients. This publication serves as a key reference for state and international regulatory agencies.

Set to begin accepting applications later this year, the SRIS program is expected to serve regulators, industry leaders, and feed manufacturers looking for a faster, science-based pathway to market. 

The program also provides an alternative to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) Notice system and replaces AAFCO’s now-defunct Ingredient Definition Request process, which ended following the expiration of its Memorandum of Understanding with the FDA in 2024.

With growing demand for new feed solutions across the animal nutrition sector, the SRIS program represents a timely and collaborative step forward. 

By blending regulatory oversight with academic expertise, AAFCO and K-State Olathe aim to ensure both speed and safety in bringing innovative ingredients to the market.

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