AAFCO & Kansas State University Launch New SRIS Program

The new regulatory pathway for animal food ingredients offers accelerated scientific review for new ingredient submissions.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), in collaboration with the Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe), is introducing the new ingredient review process called the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program. This program 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.

Approved by AAFCO membership in January 2025, K-State Olathe has developed this innovative review process to create an environment that will benefit regulators, leaders in animal nutrition and the broader animal food community. Companies are encouraged to visit the new SRIS program website for updates and to understand how to utilize this new pathway for incorporating ingredients into food for companion animals and feed for livestock. AAFCO is set to begin accepting applications later this year.

“The SRIS program marks a pivotal milestone in a new era of innovation and efficiency for the animal food industry,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “We believe this accelerated approval process will promote scientific advancement and efficiency, while simultaneously maintaining the rigorous safety standards that our animals and consumers deserve.”

All ingredient submissions will be directed to AAFCO, which will process them into the appropriate submission review package. Once a level is determined, the SRIS team at K-State Olathe, led by Haley Larson, PhD, will assemble the scientific review panel. This panel will consist of subject matter experts from universities across the U.S. and independent consultants, ensuring diversity and representation for all animal species. The panel will evaluate potential ingredient submissions and provide recommendations 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.

“It’s an exciting time for the advancement of the safety and quality of animal food ingredients,” said Haley Larson, PhD, K-State Olathe. “We are honored to contribute our scientific and technical expertise to a collaborative process that is safe, scientific, and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients while upholding AAFCO’s unwavering standards for animal and human health.”

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. It replaces AAFCO’s previous Ingredient Definition Request process, which concluded with the expiration of AAFCO’s Memorandum of Understanding with the FDA last year.

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.