Ingredient Definitions Committee

Welcome to the Ingredient Definitions Committee page. The actual definitions are published annually in the AAFCO Official Publication (OP). This book is a primary source of revenue to pay for the costs of running the ingredient definition process. Your purchase of the OP is appreciated. We understand it may be a burden to purchase an OP to get one definition, and in those cases, we recommend you contact your state Department of Agriculture or look for the AAFCO Official Publication at your local library. (click here to find state contacts).

A 14 day trial subscription is available for the AAFCO Online Official Publication (OP) for $20.  The online version is a secured read only document that cannot be downloaded or printed.  To purchase please visit the publications page.

These definitions apply to all animal feeds. Many pet food manufacturers have tighter specifications than these definitions. We recommend talking with your pet food company about the ingredients and sources they use.

If you have questions about how ingredients are defined by AAFCO, an established definition, or a suggested definition, please complete the following form and submit it

Interactive course guides learners through AAFCO and FDA registration and approval process.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., (November 3, 2021) The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the independent organization that provides ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory guidance for state, federal and international feed regulators, announces an online, three-part self-study course for AAFCO members and nonmembers who are involved with defining animal feed and pet food ingredients.

The course is separated into three progressive modules covering the ingredient definitions process, including how to establish communication with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the AAFCO investigator; submitting a Food Additive Petition to the FDA or notifying the CVM that the ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe for your proposed use; and the AAFCO or FDA regulatory definition of safety pertaining to the ingredient’s uses in animal food.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this easy-to-use but comprehensive online program,” said Susan M. Hays, AAFCO executive director. “It lets learners come up to speed quickly on their own, saving management training time while staff gain competence in completing the AAFCO process.” Retention checks throughout the course help learners confirm their understanding of each point being covered.

The course content can also be used for staff development sessions to help managers build team competence in the AAFCO process, especially for complex steps like safety and utility that often result in declined ingredient packages.

This course is recommended for newly hired personnel at ingredient manufacturers, researchers wanting a greater understanding of the regulatory data needed, current staff who need a better understanding of the definition process, and anyone involved with defining animal feed and pet food ingredients.

The cost is $150 for personnel at ingredient manufacturers, research organizations, universities, industry companies, and other AAFCO nonmember or nonregulatory registrants and $99 for AAFCO members (email aafco@aafco.org to verify membership and receive a discount code). Registration is now available.

Register Here