CHAMPAGNE, SICK. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) issued a position paper and call to action on September 20 calling on hemp and feed industry stakeholders to conduct further research into the use of hemp ingredients in forage and pet food.
AAFCO plays a key role in guiding federal, state, and international feed regulatory agencies on labeling standards, ingredient definitions, and laboratory guidelines in the feed industry. The association recognizes the need for more research on the nutritional effects of hemp and hemp by-product ingredients, including whole hemp plants, hemp seed oil, CBD and other cannabinoids.
With additional research, AAFCO would be able to formally define the ingredient and safety standards, and enable pet food and feed manufacturers to incorporate hemp into their products and sell it in all 50 states.
“We know the hemp industry is eager to enter the pet food market, but we fear that insufficient research has been done on these products,” said Susan M. Hays, executive director of AAFCO. “That’s why we urge Hemp Industry to conduct appropriate research and submit their results to us for review as a normal step in our ingredient approval process.”
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) signed a Farm Bill legalizing the cultivation of hemp, but the safety of these products for animals has yet to be determined by AAFCO or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the ultimate domestic Regulator of animal ingredients. Research into THC and cannabinoid levels, their effects in different species and for their intended uses would pave the way for regulatory approval for these ingredients.
“Allowing hemp by-products to be used in animal nutrition before rigorous research and regulatory approval processes are completed could have negative effects on ranchers’ market access, animal health and ultimately human health, if hemp-fed animal products are included in human food get chain, “added Hays.
Some states allow state use of hemp as a feed ingredient, AAFCO explained, but the national regulatory environment for hemp remains uncertain. AAFCO expressed concern about this federal approach as it might encourage inconsistent manufacturing practices, unsupported and mixed marketing claims, and a restriction to interstate and international markets, the association said.
According to the AAFCO, “Hemp and hemp products are prohibited from being used in animal feed or pet food in the United States,” as of July 2020 and notwithstanding the 2018 Farm Bill.
AAFCO recommended that lawmakers work with key stakeholders including AAFCO, the FDA, the USDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, other industry associations and consumer advocacy groups to advance the approval of hemp-based ingredients in animal feed. Manufacturers of these products should also investigate and submit the results to AAFCO for review.
Read AAFCO’s full position paper on hemp and hemp by-products in pet food here.
As the latest step forward for the pet food industry, AAFCO tentatively approved the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in adult dog food formulations in August. The ingredient is believed to be a sustainable protein alternative and products containing this ingredient can now be accepted for sale in the United States.
Stay up to date with the latest regulatory news in the pet food market.
source https://www.bisayanews.com/2021/09/21/aafco-calls-for-hemp-ingredient-research-from-pet-food-feed-industry-stakeholders/
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