Did you know?
U.S. pet food is regulated by a system that was created over a century ago when dogs and cats were regarded as working farm animals.
In the more than 100 years since then, cats and dogs have evolved to being treated as companion animals and members of our families. Surveys show that 95% of Americans consider pets to be cherished members of the family. As the relationship between people and companion animals has grown more intertwined, the regulatory system has not evolved to meet the challenges in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing market environment. U.S. pets, pet owners, and pet food makers need a regulatory system that meets the needs of a 21st century, consumer-facing product.
2 IN 3Pet owners say its important to get access to the latest science-based nutrition and ingredient innovation in their pet’s food
3xMore likely to prefer pet food products be regulated like human food rather than regulated like feed for livestock
Pet food safety is and always will be a top priority for pet food makers, and Pet Food Institute’s (PFI) members are committed to providing the best nutritional science and ingredient innovation to support the long, healthy lives of pets. The current regulatory framework is a two-tier system consisting of oversight by the federal government and all 50 states. This inconsistent regulatory system does not work for today’s pet owners and pets. The current system results in:
- Products regulated by 50 different states, which is inefficient, cumbersome, and confusing.
- Market disruptions in which pet owners may not be able to find their preferred pet food.
- Stifled innovation and slow processes for bringing novel ingredients and new products to market.
Dog and cat food requires a more transparent and streamlined regulatory process with a modernized, federal approach to reduce state-by-state inconsistencies. Therefore, PFI is supporting H.R. 7380, the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024 (PURR Act), sponsored by Reps. Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX). The draft legislation will:
- Ensure consistency and transparency with federal regulations.
- Establish a more efficient federal ingredient review process.
- Encourage innovation and eliminate disruptions to interstate commerce.
- Maintain high nutrition and food safety standards that nourish and protect pets.
Learn more about the PURR Act:
- The PURR Act’s Impact on Pet Food Safety
- The Need to Modernize Pet Food Regulation
- What the Legislation Does and Doesn’t Do
- Pet Food Institute Announces Support for New Federal Legislation to Modernize Pet Food Regulation
- H.R.7380 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify and update the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure national uniformity in the regulation of the marketing and labeling of companion animal pet food, and for other purposes. | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
