AFC Regulatory Services

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🐾 What is PFLM?

Initiated in 2015 and officially approved in July 2023, PFLM (Pet Food Label Modernization) is AAFCO’s overhaul of the Pet Food Model Regulations designed to make labels more transparent, consumer‑friendly, and aligned with human food labeling (AAFCO). These changes were published in the 2024 Official Publication, with a recommended six-year transition period ending around January 1, 2030.  

🔍 Key Labeling Changes at a Glance

  1. Pet Nutrition Facts Box
    • A human‑style Nutrition Facts panel replacing the old Guaranteed Analysis.
    • Includes calories per serving, breakdowns (protein, fat, carbs), total carbohydrate and dietary fiber instead of crude fiber, and household‑friendly serving sizes (AAFCO).
  2. Intended Use & Nutritional Adequacy Statement
    • Required on the front panel (lower third), clearly stating species, life stage, product category (e.g. "Adult Dog Food", "Cat Treat", etc.) (AAFCO).
  3. Ingredient Statement Improvements
    • Clarification regarding the naming conventions of meat, fish, and poultry.
    • All names of ingredients must be in the same size, style, and color font; however, scientific names of microorganisms may now be italicized.
    • New optional parenthetical format for listing common names of vitamins.  (AAFCO)
  4. Handling & Storage Icons
    • Standardized optional icons for safe handling and storage directions. Handling and Storage Instructions on labels are optional, however, if present, they must follow Regulation PF12 (AAFCO).
  5. Optional Enforcement Period
    • AAFCO has recommended six years for full compliance after the 2024 Official Publication, giving until around January 1, 2030 for firms to implement changes (AAFCO).

Why act now?
The six‑year discretionary period is generous—but planning early saves cost, confusion, and risk.  By proactively updating your labels, you avoid rushed redesigns, ensure smooth state compliance, build consumer trust, and get ahead of regulatory scrutiny.

🧩 How AFC Regulatory Services Can Help

Transitioning through PFLM isn’t just changing label templates — it’s a major project touching on formulation, lab testing, artwork, packaging, compliance, e‑commerce, and state registrations.

AFC Regulatory Services offers comprehensive PFLM compliance services tailored to pet food manufacturers:

  1. Label Review & Gap Analysis
    • Assess current labels and highlight required changes.
  2. Design & Content Support
    • Rework labels to include the new nutrition panel, intended-use format, ingredient naming, and optional icons.
  3. Regulatory Monitoring
    • Track state-level adoptions and enforcement timelines, keeping you ahead.
  4. Training & Documentation
    • Provide staff training and help prepare the documentation required to support regulatory filings.
  5. End-to-End Project Management
    • Coordinate all the way through approval and compliance, relieving your internal teams.
       

AFC Regulatory Services staff actively participate in the AAFCO process by attending AAFCO meetings, act as advisors on AAFCO committees, and serve as part of the AAFCO Training Cadre for PFLM workshops.  With over 30 years of regulatory compliance experience in the animal feed and pet food industry, we’re confident we can successfully guide you and your team through this regulatory transition — ensuring both regulatory compliance and smooth market continuity.

✅ Next Steps

We welcome the opportunity to discuss how AFC Regulatory Services can support your transition to PFLM-compliant labels. You can reply to this email or call me at 919-801-0043 to schedule a free consultation to walk you through your current label status, timelines in your states, and how we can help you meet the requirements early.

Thank you for your attention to this important update. We look forward to helping you turn this regulatory shift into a competitive advantage.