EU regulations prioritise pet food

The event was attended by leading EU experts in the field of regulation, including: representatives of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, FEFANA, EFSA and the European Commission, who shared their observations on the additive authorization process.

The long-awaited revision of the rules on additives used in animal nutrition, regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, has been postponed to the next European Commission. The existing rules, which are more than 20 years old, are not expected to be updated until at least the first quarter of 2025.

Overly burdensome regulations

According to Sonia Franck, Secretary General of FEDIAF, the current 10-year authorisation period for additives poses significant challenges. The industry risks losing key additives due to factors such as lack of interest from existing applicants, prohibitive costs and the administrative burden of renewing more than 1,600 products.

“The overly burdensome regulatory requirements, especially regarding efficacy and tolerability studies, need to be revised to explore alternative methods to increase efficiency and reduce animal testing,” Franck says.

FEDIAF, in cooperation with AnimalhealthEurope (AHE), Copa-Cogeca, FEAP, FEFAC and FEFANA, has actively engaged in a coherent and constructive dialogue with the Commission on the revision of feed additives legislation.

“Feed additives play a key role in optimizing feed formulations for various animal sectors, including farm animals, aquaculture and companion animals. By increasing feed efficiency and sustainability, these additives promote more efficient use of resources, reduced waste, lower emissions and improved animal welfare,” Franck tells us.

While the original legislation mainly concerned farm animals, its unintended impact on pet food additives is of concern. “Adaptation measures and a commitment to cooperation are key to addressing these challenges and ensuring continued animal welfare across sectors,” he adds.

A key objective over the next 12 months will be to effectively communicate key messages to newly elected members of the European Parliament. FEDIAF aims to highlight the importance of protecting key ingredients, championing pet welfare and establishing a harmonised system for assessing the environmental impact of pet food.

Strategic objectives

The Congress was also an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and activities of the past year and to define future priorities. During the three days, participants participated in numerous working group and committee meetings, as well as plenary sessions, which fostered cooperation for in-depth discussions and strategic planning.

One of the key takeaways from the event is FEDIAF’s shift from reactive to proactive advocacy. “Our goal is to support the development of the EU regulatory framework in a way that prioritizes pet food in every respect,” notes Franck.

The trade group also intends to focus on regularly updating its guidelines and codes.

In addition, FEDIAF will continue to strengthen its cooperation with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and AnimalhealthEurope through Pet Alliance to promote #PetPower, says Franck. This cooperation highlights the multi-faceted benefits of interaction with animals and the importance of animal welfare.

Sustainability remains a top priority and FEDIAF is focusing on the alignment and harmonization of the Eco Claims Directive, following changes to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the update of the Product Environmental Footprint Category (PEFCR) rules. These efforts are intended to help members identify and improve aspects of the production process to reduce environmental impact.