AAFCO has instituted a repository, referred to as the Common Food Index (CFI), of common foods that may be appropriate for use in animal food and serve as a tool for use during review of ingredients on an animal food label, providing harmonization and transparency.
Common foods are defined as: “Food items commercially available and suitable for use in animal food but are not defined by AAFCO, including but not limited to certain whole seeds, vegetables, or fruits. Common food for animals may include common human foods that are known to be safe for the intended use in animal food. Manufacturers are responsible for determining whether a common food is safe and has utility for its intended use prior to commercial distribution as animal food.”
AAFCO’s subcommittee of experienced ingredient definition and label reviewers assessed and identified the first list to the most common and well-known ingredients. The proposed list of the initial 72 items can be found here and in the Resources section below.
In addition, AAFCO is encouraging stakeholders such as veterinarians, animal nutritionists, consumer groups and the general public to review the initial index and provide feedback through the form below. Feedback should be limited to the 72 proposed items only. AAFCO is not yet accepting proposals for additional common food items. All feedback is due by June 2, 2023.
Submit feedback for the Common Food Index:
Resources
