What is AAFCO?
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 110 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Our members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.
AAFCO’s Mission
AAFCO is a collaborative association that supports members and stakeholders and promotes a safe feed supply through unified system-based regulation, feed ingredients standards, and laboratory operations.
AAFCO’s Vision
AAFCO is a trusted leader that safeguards animal and human health.
Why AAFCO?
AAFCO’s longstanding purpose has been to serve as a venue for feed regulators to explore the problems encountered in administering feed laws; to develop just and equitable standards, definitions and policies for the enforcement of feed laws; and to promote uniformity in laws, regulations and enforcement policies. AAFCO’s trusted scientific leadership professionals have deep and varied expertise and collaborate on important industry issues.
Uniform Laws Keep Products Moving Between States
In 1909, there was a realization that harmonizing the laws that govern the flow of animal feed and pet food between states would keep interstate commerce functioning. One of AAFCO’s first projects was to draft model or sample regulations that each state could adopt on its own, in whatever language fits its needs, so interstate commerce could flow without interruption. AAFCO saves states thousands of dollars and countless man hours because our collaborative group of state and federal regulators, along with industry representatives, drafts model regulations for the states to use to meet their needs, knowing that their neighbors in states nearby are using similar language so interstate commerce will continue.