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 will assess the submissions regularly and post those food items recommended for acceptance to the AAFCO.org website for public feedback. The posting of food items recommended for acceptance will occur twice per year in advance of AAFCO’s Midyear and Annual Ingredient Definitions Committee (IDC) Meetings.

The CFI subcommittee will provide a recommended list of new food items, based on the feedback received, to be included in the Common Food Index before the final meeting agenda is posted for the IDC.

A link to the AAFCO Common Food Index (CFI) Submission Worksheet is provided below and must be complete for the submission to be considered by the CFI subcommittee.

CFI as of 3/26/25

Acorn Squash

Mulberry
Almond, sweet (P.dulcis, variety dulcis) Lentil
Apple Lima Bean
Apricot Navy Bean
Asparagus Nectarine
Banana New Zealand Green Mussel
Black Bean Niger Seed
Blackberry Okra
Black-Eyed Peas Oyster Mushroom
Blueberry Papaya
Broccoli Pea (Field Pea or Garden Pea variety)
Buckwheat Peach
Butter Bean Peanut
Butternut Squash Pear
Cabbage Pineapple
Carob Pinto Bean
Carrot Plantain
Cauliflower Plum
Celery Portobello Mushroom
Champignon Mushroom (AKA White Button) Potato
Cherry Pumpkin
Chickpea (AKA Garbanzo) Raspberry
Cilantro Red Beet
Coconut Rice (Oryza sativa varietals)
Collard Greens Safflower Seed
Cranberry Shiitake Mushroom
Cucumber Snow Pea
Egg (from poultry) Spelt
Fava Bean Sunflower Seed
Green Bean Strawberry
Honey Sugar (sucrose)
Kale Sugar Beet
Kidney Bean Sweet Potato
King Oyster Mushrooms Tomato
Kiwi Turnip
Lettuce Watermelon
Maitake Mushroom Yam
Mango Yellow Squash
Millet Zucchini

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