AAFCO and K-State Olathe Seek SME’s for New SRIS Process

Panelists will review animal food ingredients under the new program.

The new Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program, a joint collaboration between The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe), is seeking qualified subject matter experts to be part of the expert panel for scientific reviews. Qualified candidates with a background in animal nutrition and other sciences are invited to apply here.

The scientific review panels will be comprised of subject matter experts from universities and independent consultants from across the U.S. to ensure a diverse knowledge base across various animal species and disciplines. Each panel will conduct a rigorous scientific review of the proposed GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe, conclusion to determine the substance’s safety before making a recommendation to AAFCO membership for final approval. Approved ingredients will then be added to AAFCO’s Official Publication, recognized as the most comprehensive list of approved feed ingredients worldwide by state and international regulatory agencies as well as the animal food industry.

“The collaboration between the review panel, K-State and AAFCO will ensure the SRIS process is safe, scientific and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients,” shared Haley Larson, PhD, K-State Olathe and SRIS scientific lead. “We’re looking forward to bringing the top subject matter experts together to contribute to the advancement of the safety and quality of animal food ingredients.”

Under Larson’s direction, the SRIS process will offer a fast and accurate scientific assessment of new animal food ingredients that will be accepted by state regulators across the U.S. Through SRIS, prospective ingredients will undergo scientific evaluation at twice the speed of traditional methods while upholding rigorous scientific standards and transparency.

“Composing a review panel of independent experts from across the country will offer a new level of innovation in animal food that we have not seen before,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “Manufacturers, and animal owners, are craving new ingredients to meet the dietary needs and trends of the industry today, and SRIS will promote scientific advancement and efficiency while maintaining the safety standards that our animals and consumers deserve.”

The SRIS pathway is intended to complement the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s current Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice program, providing the feed industry with an additional option for introducing new and innovative products to the market.

Qualified candidates interested in becoming part of the SRIS process can learn more and apply here. Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae outlining their expertise in animal nutrition or related fields, and information regarding potential conflicts of interest. For SRIS updates and to understand how to utilize this new pathway, visit the program’s website.

About 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 115 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Its members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of animal feeds and feed ingredients. Learn more at aafco.org.

About K-State Olathe

Located in Greater Kansas City and the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, K-State Olathe is one of the university’s three campuses and has focus areas of animal health, food and nutrition, and advanced manufacturing. Its land-grant mission is to provide industry-driven academic programs and professional development offerings, and leverage applied research – all to improve wellbeing and drive economic growth. Learn more at olathe.ksu.edu.