David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.Dr. Dzanis is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and CEO of Regulatory Discretion Inc. He is also the author of Petfood Industry magazine's monthly column, "Petfood Insights."From the Author - Page 6Pet Food RegulationsWhat is ‘regulatory discretion’ in the pet food industry?Regulatory discretion is when a regulatory body such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a state feed control official chooses not to act against something or someone even though that something or someone may not wholly conform to the letter of the law.Pet Food MarketAre you ready for FSMA?The final rule from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for implementation of preventive controls for animal feed (including pet food) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was published in the Federal Register in September 2015.Pet Food RegulationsHow to file an Animal Food Additive PetitionIn June 2015, the Center for Veterinary Medicine in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of Guidance for Industry #221.Pet Food MarketAAFCO accepts revised Dog and Cat Nutrient ProfilesDefinitions, ingredients, available educational resources discussed during Denver meetingNutritionAmerican Academy of Veterinary Nutrition meets in IndianapolisThe American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN) held its 15th Annual Clinical Nutrition and Research Symposium on June 3, 2015, in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.NutritionDoes your pet product label comply with the new AAFCO calorie statement regulations?In January 2013, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) enacted amendments to Model Regulation PF9 regarding calorie content statements on dog and cat food labels. While AAFCO recommended a grace period for state enforcement, as of June 2015 that period has ended for any newly marketed products. In either case, though, it is prudent to take steps now to ensure labels conform to the new labeling requirements.Pet Food MarketThe revised AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles, part 2The revisions to the AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profiles are almost complete, and assuming its final form is approved by AAFCO in August 2015, it should appear in the 2016 Official Publication.NutritionThe revised AAFCO dog and cat food nutrient profilesAfter eight years of deliberation and somewhat contentious debate, the revisions to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles have almost made it through all the hoops.Pet Food SafetyAAFCO holds ‘mid-year’ meetingThe Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) held its "mid-year" meeting on January 13–15, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Although the issues on the table appear to have been less contentious than in recent meetings, there was still room for lively discussion.Pet Food MarketIs it AAFCO, or is it just me?Recent changes to AAFCO's Official Publication makes reading it more challenging.Pet Food PackagingPetfood vignettes, graphics and pictorial representationsPetfood packaging illustrations can be especially helpful in reaching those potential customers with language or reading issues. However, improper use of graphics, not just words, also can get a company in trouble with regulators.Pet Food IngredientsDNA testing raises ingredient declaration concernsIt behooves the petfood manufacturer to practice due diligence in ensuring that what is declared on the label is in the product, and what is not declared is not in the product.Previous PagePage 6 of 15Next Page