AAFCO has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the FDA’s collaboration with AAFCO in the AAFCO Ingredient Definition Request Process by clarifying the responsibilities of the FDA and AAFCO during the feed ingredient definition request process and providing mechanisms for resolving disputes that arise and for modifying the definitions when required.
AAFCO provides a process (called the AAFCO Ingredient Definition Request Process) to identify the safety, utility, and identity of ingredients used in animal feed. This process helps to ensure ingredients used in animal feed are suitable for that use and also establishes a common or usual name for the ingredients. This common or usual identity is required on feed labels by both federal law and state regulations The Ingredient Definition Request Process is operated by AAFCO, with the FDA providing scientific and technical assistance. The result of this collaboration has been the establishment of an effective program of benefit to feed regulatory officials, the industry, and the public.