Food and Drug Administration Animal Food Ingredient Consultation; Guidance for Industry; Availability
Published Date: 1/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The FDA just rolled out a new way for companies making animal food ingredients to check in with them, called the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC). This replaces the old process with AAFCO, which ended in October 2024, and helps spot safety issues early while keeping the public in the loop. If you’re in the animal feed business, this means new steps to follow, but no extra fees—just smarter safety checks starting now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
AFIC replaces AAFCO engagement
If you make animal food ingredients, FDA is using a new Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC) process now that the AAFCO Memorandum of Understanding expired on October 1, 2024. AFIC provides an additional way to engage with FDA for any ingredient you might previously have used the AAFCO ingredient definition process for.
Enforcement policy for AFIC-assessed ingredients
The guidance describes FDA's enforcement policy for certain ingredients that are assessed using the AFIC process. If you develop ingredients evaluated via AFIC, FDA's described enforcement approach will apply to those ingredients.
Public awareness and comment opportunity
AFIC consultations let the public see and comment on proposed animal food ingredients through the docket system. FDA says AFIC will allow public awareness of and input on such ingredients and provides docket instructions for submitting comments.
Paperwork and OMB approval for AFIC
FDA says AFIC includes information collection recommendations that are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval and that FDA will implement those recommendations only after OMB approval and after announcing that approval in the Federal Register. FDA published a separate PRA notice on December 19, 2024, inviting comment on revising information collections to explicitly discuss AFIC.
What to include in AFIC submissions
FDA revised the guidance to say you should include a proposed ingredient name and definition in AFIC consultations, that firms should not resubmit information already provided to FDA, and that FDA removed a prior recommendation to submit a statement of environmental risk. The guidance also clarifies what information commenters should include when commenting on pending AFICs through the docket.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11374 — Finished Carbon Steel Flanges From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Indian producers of finished carbon steel flanges got unfair government help during 2023. Because of this, extra duties (taxes) will apply to these imports starting June 8, 2026, making sure U.S. businesses compete on a level playing field. If you import or sell these steel flanges, get ready for some changes that could affect prices and timing.
2026-11451 — Policy Statement on Mandatory Hearings for Reactor Licensing
Starting June 8, 2026, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is rolling out a new rule that requires mandatory hearings for all reactor license applications. This means anyone applying to build or operate a nuclear reactor will have to go through a clear, official hearing process. The change aims to make licensing more transparent and could affect timelines and costs for applicants.
2026-11428 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; ACF-700 Tribal Annual Report
Tribal child care programs that get federal money will fill out a shorter, easier annual report called the ACF-700. This update cuts down on repetitive questions and removes old COVID-related data, saving tribes time and effort. Comments on these changes are open until August 7, 2026, so tribes can share their thoughts before it’s finalized.
2026-11467 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The USPS is updating how it handles driver info and mail tracking for its Highway Contract Route drivers. They’re moving from paper to a digital system and launching a new mobile app to make mail delivery smoother and safer. These changes start April 10, 2026, with no extra costs or delays, and they affect all USPS contractors using these routes.
2026-11446 — MQR Storage, LLC; Notice of Surrender of Preliminary Permit
MQR Storage, LLC has decided to give up its early permit for a pumped storage project near Tracy, California. This means the permit will officially end by July 3, 2026, freeing up the site for new applicants after that date. No money changes hands now, but this move opens the door for fresh energy ideas in the area.
2026-11387 — Crepe Paper From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
The U.S. International Trade Commission is speeding up a check to see if the special taxes on crepe paper from China should stay or go. This affects American crepe paper makers and importers, with decisions coming soon that could impact prices and trade rules. The review started because U.S. producers showed strong interest, while Chinese exporters didn’t respond enough.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-31524 — Recommendations for Determining Eligibility of Donors of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products; Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability
The FDA just dropped a draft guide to help decide who can donate human cells and tissues safely. This update affects doctors, tissue banks, and anyone involved in donations, aiming to keep diseases from spreading. You’ve got until February 6, 2025, to share your thoughts before the final rules roll out—no big costs yet, just smarter safety checks!
Next: 2024-31526 — Evaluation of Sex-Specific and Gender-Specific Data in Medical Device Clinical Studies; Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Availability
The FDA just shared a draft guide to help medical device makers study how devices work differently for people of different sexes and genders. This means companies will need to think carefully about sex and gender when testing devices to make sure they’re safe and effective for everyone. Comments on this draft are open until April 7, 2025, so get your thoughts in before then!