Changes

   

  == Introduction ==

 

== Introduction ==

A pet food label fulfils two main roles:  

A pet food label fulfils two main roles:  

   

   

The following sections describe the way pet food is labelled in the European Union and in the United States.  Specific pet food labelling legislation and guidelines also exist in many other countries around the world.

The following sections describe the way pet food is labelled in the European Union and in the United States.  Specific pet food labelling legislation and guidelines also exist in many other countries around the world.

== Europe ==

== Europe ==

In the European Union, pet food labelling is mainly governed by Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the Marketing and Use of Feed.  This Regulation sets out the rules for feed designed for both food-producing and non-food producing animals, including requirements for labelling, packaging and claims.  Regulation 767/2009 also provides a framework for the establishment and labelling of feed intended for particular nutritional purposes (dietetic feeds).  

In the European Union, pet food labelling is mainly governed by Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the Marketing and Use of Feed.  This Regulation sets out the rules for feed designed for both food-producing and non-food producing animals, including requirements for labelling, packaging and claims.  Regulation 767/2009 also provides a framework for the establishment and labelling of feed intended for particular nutritional purposes (dietetic feeds).  

=== Definitions ===

=== Definitions ===

Definition (i) does not provide any recommendation for nutrient levels that would be appropriate for a feed to be considered ‘complete’.  FEDIAF’s Nutritional Guidelines list minimum recommended nutrient levels for commercial pet foods and can be used as a guidance document to determine whether or not a pet food is complete for healthy dogs and cats. (link: http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition/)

Definition (i) does not provide any recommendation for nutrient levels that would be appropriate for a feed to be considered ‘complete’.  FEDIAF’s Nutritional Guidelines list minimum recommended nutrient levels for commercial pet foods and can be used as a guidance document to determine whether or not a pet food is complete for healthy dogs and cats. (link: http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition/)

=== Mandatory declarations ===

 

=== Mandatory Declarations ===

An example of a European label (in this case from the UK) is shown in Figure X.  On the label, mandatory declarations should be easily identified and not obscured by any other information.  The mandatory labelling particulars, sometimes referred to as statutory statement, must be given in their entirety set in a prominent place on the packaging or label (Regulation 767/2009 Article 14). Mandatory information must be provided in at least one of the official languages of the Member State in which it is sold.  

An example of a European label (in this case from the UK) is shown in Figure X.  On the label, mandatory declarations should be easily identified and not obscured by any other information.  The mandatory labelling particulars, sometimes referred to as statutory statement, must be given in their entirety set in a prominent place on the packaging or label (Regulation 767/2009 Article 14). Mandatory information must be provided in at least one of the official languages of the Member State in which it is sold.  

=== Mandatory labelling requirements ===

====Complete Feed or Complementary Feed====

A pet food label must indicate whether the pet food is complete or complementary, in other words, whether the food can satisfy all nutritional demands without an additional ration (complete) or whether it must be fed with another product (complementary).  The description “complete” or “complementary” must be considered in relation to the animal the food is intended for.  Optionally, the life stage or purpose for the food which it is intended may be indicated (e.g., adult, growth, all life stages, activity or light).  This should be clear from the label e.g., Product X is a complete pet food for adult dogs or Product Y is a complete pet food for growing and reproducing cats.  

A pet food label must indicate whether the pet food is complete or complementary, in other words, whether the food can satisfy all nutritional demands without an additional ration (complete) or whether it must be fed with another product (complementary).  The description “complete” or “complementary” must be considered in relation to the animal the food is intended for.  Optionally, the life stage or purpose for the food which it is intended may be indicated (e.g., adult, growth, all life stages, activity or light).  This should be clear from the label e.g., Product X is a complete pet food for adult dogs or Product Y is a complete pet food for growing and reproducing cats.  

Name and address of the feed business operator (company) responsible for the labelling.  

Name and address of the feed business operator (company) responsible for the labelling.  

Approval or registration number(s), or, if not available, the address of the manufacturing plant  

Approval or registration number(s), or, if not available, the address of the manufacturing plant  

In cases where the producer is not the person responsible for the labelling: the business name and address of the producer (e.g., private label manufacturer), or the approval number of that producer should be given.  

In cases where the producer is not the person responsible for the labelling: the business name and address of the producer (e.g., private label manufacturer), or the approval number of that producer should be given.  

Batch number

 

====Batch Number====

This is needed for traceability.  Where circumstances require it, most pet food manufacturers can trace a bag or can back to the minute it was produced.   

This is needed for traceability.  Where circumstances require it, most pet food manufacturers can trace a bag or can back to the minute it was produced.   

Net quantity

 

====Net Quantity====

The net quantity must be expressed in units of mass (g, kg) for solid products and units of mass or volume (ml, L) for liquid products. The “e” often seen after the weight statement indicates that the product complies with all packers rules.  In addition, strict rules regulate the limits of variation permitted under the declared weight to ensure that the consumer receives, on average, the amount stated on the package (Directive 2009/34).   

The net quantity must be expressed in units of mass (g, kg) for solid products and units of mass or volume (ml, L) for liquid products. The “e” often seen after the weight statement indicates that the product complies with all packers rules.  In addition, strict rules regulate the limits of variation permitted under the declared weight to ensure that the consumer receives, on average, the amount stated on the package (Directive 2009/34).   

The minimum storage life

 

====The Minimum Storage Life====

This may also be called an expiry date and requires a DD/MM/YYYY  

This may also be called an expiry date and requires a DD/MM/YYYY  

Animal species or category of animals for which the compound feed is intended  

Animal species or category of animals for which the compound feed is intended  

E.g. adult cat, puppy etc.  

E.g. adult cat, puppy etc.  

Directions for use

 

====Directions for Use====

In practice these consist mainly of the feeding instructions, but it is not specified by law what is required as a minimum (link to section on feeding guides).  This can also include storage instructions, especially once a pack is opened.  

In practice these consist mainly of the feeding instructions, but it is not specified by law what is required as a minimum (link to section on feeding guides).  This can also include storage instructions, especially once a pack is opened.  

Composition  

 

====Composition====

This is the list of feed materials(see details below).  

This is the list of feed materials(see details below).  

Analytical constituents  

*Analytical constituents: This is the nutrient content of the feed.  In Europe, the typical or proximate analysis has to be declared (see details below).  

This is the nutrient content of the feed.  In Europe, the typical or proximate analysis has to be declared (see details below).  

*Additives(see details below): Pet food has an additional labelling requirement in Regulation 767/2009, and that is the requirement to provide a free telephone number or other suitable means of communication to enable consumers to contact manufacturers to request additional information on the additives in the pet food and also on feed materials that are listed by category rather than single feed material (link to section on ingredients in how pet food is made).  

Additives(see details below)  

Pet food has an additional labelling requirement in Regulation 767/2009, and that is the requirement to provide a free telephone number or other suitable means of communication to enable consumers to contact manufacturers to request additional information on the additives in the pet food and also on feed materials that are listed by category rather than single feed material (link to section on ingredients in how pet food is made).  

   

   

   

   

=== Composition = list of feed materials ===

=== Composition = List of Feed Materials ===

Feed materials (ingredients) have to be listed in descending order by weight, and the list has to be preceded by the heading: Composition. On the label of pet foods for dogs and cats, individual feed materials can be replaced by ingredient categories.  These categories are designed to provide consumers with some indication of the source of raw materials used, while allowing the manufacturer some flexibility in the selection of the ingredients within a specific category (Burger ’93).  The categories are defined by law in Commission Directive 82/475/EEC laying down the categories of feed materials which may be used for the purposes of labelling compound feeding stuffs for pet animals (Table 1).  

Feed materials (ingredients) have to be listed in descending order by weight, and the list has to be preceded by the heading: Composition. On the label of pet foods for dogs and cats, individual feed materials can be replaced by ingredient categories.  These categories are designed to provide consumers with some indication of the source of raw materials used, while allowing the manufacturer some flexibility in the selection of the ingredients within a specific category (Burger ’93).  The categories are defined by law in Commission Directive 82/475/EEC laying down the categories of feed materials which may be used for the purposes of labelling compound feeding stuffs for pet animals (Table 1).  

Link to ingredients section in how pet food is made  

Link to ingredients section in how pet food is made  

=== Analytical Constituents ===

=== Analytical Constituents ===

Regulation 767/2009 requires that under “Analytical Constituents” of both complete and complementary feeds the typical analysis of nutrients must be declared. In Europe, the typical (proximate) analysis has to be declared. This is the typical nutrient level obtained by considering the results of analysis of several samples. In other words, the typical analysis gives the nutrient levels found in the actual food. The declaration of the following nutrients is mandatory for pet foods for dogs and cats:

Regulation 767/2009 requires that under “Analytical Constituents” of both complete and complementary feeds the typical analysis of nutrients must be declared. In Europe, the typical (proximate) analysis has to be declared. This is the typical nutrient level obtained by considering the results of analysis of several samples. In other words, the typical analysis gives the nutrient levels found in the actual food. The declaration of the following nutrients is mandatory for pet foods for dogs and cats:

*Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt. It is also permitted to call “ash”, “incinerated residue” or “inorganic matter”.

*Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt. It is also permitted to call “ash”, “incinerated residue” or “inorganic matter”.

=== Additives ===

=== Additives ===

Within the EU, Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition provides for 4 categories of additives (1-4), each of which contain functional groups (Table 2). More categories may be added over time. Vitamins and trace elements are considered additives and, therefore, are not listed under composition.

Within the EU, Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition provides for 4 categories of additives (1-4), each of which contain functional groups (Table 2). More categories may be added over time. Vitamins and trace elements are considered additives and, therefore, are not listed under composition.

==== Which additives must be declared on the label? ====

==== Which Additives Must Be Declared on the Label? ====

According to Regulation 767/2009, the following additives have to be declared if added by the manufacturer:

According to Regulation 767/2009, the following additives have to be declared if added by the manufacturer:

==== How additives must be declared: ====

==== How Additives Must Be Declared: ====

The specific name of the additive as defined in the relevant legal act authorising the additive and/or its identification number*must be declared in a list preceded by the name of the functional group or category to which they belong (Table 2). In addition to the name, the added amount of the additive must be declared. The list of additives has to be preceded by the heading ‘additives’.

The specific name of the additive as defined in the relevant legal act authorising the additive and/or its identification number*must be declared in a list preceded by the name of the functional group or category to which they belong (Table 2). In addition to the name, the added amount of the additive must be declared. The list of additives has to be preceded by the heading ‘additives’.

==== What are Particular Nutritional Purposes? ====

==== What are Particular Nutritional Purposes? ====

A '''Particular Nutritional Purpose''' is intended to '''meet the specific nutritional needs of animals whose process of assimilation, absorption or metabolism is, or could be, temporarily or irreversibly impaired and who can, therefore, benefit from a feed that is adapted to the specific needs generated by their condition'''. The objective of the PARNUT legislation is to fill the gap between the legislation for feed for healthy animals, for which health claims are not permitted, and the legislation on medicated feed.

A '''Particular Nutritional Purpose''' is intended to '''meet the specific nutritional needs of animals whose process of assimilation, absorption or metabolism is, or could be, temporarily or irreversibly impaired and who can, therefore, benefit from a feed that is adapted to the specific needs generated by their condition'''. The objective of the PARNUT legislation is to fill the gap between the legislation for feed for healthy animals, for which health claims are not permitted, and the legislation on medicated feed.

==== Directive 2008/38/EC ====

==== Directive 2008/38/EC ====

Directive 2008/38/EC lists all permitted PARNUTS (1), together with the essential characteristics (2) needed to meet the requirements for the specific PARNUT, the species (3) for which it is indicated, the additional mandatory labelling requirements (4) and other provisions where necessary (6) (Table 3). Consequently, a number of additional statements appear on the labels of dietetic pet foods.

Directive 2008/38/EC lists all permitted PARNUTS (1), together with the essential characteristics (2) needed to meet the requirements for the specific PARNUT, the species (3) for which it is indicated, the additional mandatory labelling requirements (4) and other provisions where necessary (6) (Table 3). Consequently, a number of additional statements appear on the labels of dietetic pet foods.

TABLE 4

TABLE 4

=== Claims ===

=== Claims ===

Regulation 767/2009 states that the labelling and the presentation of feed shall not mislead the user, in particular:

Regulation 767/2009 states that the labelling and the presentation of feed shall not mislead the user, in particular:

a. as to the intended use or characteristics of the feed, in particular, the nature, method of manufacture or production, properties, etc. (article 11).

'''a.''' as to the intended use or characteristics of the feed, in particular, the nature, method of manufacture or production, properties, etc. (article 11).<br>

 

'''b.''' by attributing to the feed effects or characteristics that it does not possess or by suggesting that it possesses special characteristics when in fact all similar feeds possess such characteristics (article 11);<br>

b. by attributing to the feed effects or characteristics that it does not possess or by suggesting that it possesses special characteristics when in fact all similar feeds possess such characteristics (article 11);

'''c.''' by claiming that it will prevent, treat or cure a disease (article 13). Such claims are considered medicinal and imply that the product is a medicinal drug and should comply with all regulations governing veterinary medicines.<br>

 

'''d.''' by claiming that it has particular nutritional purpose (PARNUT), but is not included in the list of permitted PARNUTS published in Directive 2008/38/EC (table 5) (article 13).<br>

c. by claiming that it will prevent, treat or cure a disease (article 13). Such claims are considered medicinal and imply that the product is a medicinal drug and should comply with all regulations governing veterinary medicines.

 

d. by claiming that it has particular nutritional purpose (PARNUT), but is not included in the list of permitted PARNUTS published in Directive 2008/38/EC (table 5) (article 13).

Any claim referring to the product must be substantiated, not confuse or mislead purchasers and not denigrate other pet foods.

Any claim referring to the product must be substantiated, not confuse or mislead purchasers and not denigrate other pet foods.

=== Useful Websites ===

=== Useful Websites ===

General:

General:

== USA LABELS ==

== USA ==

 

Pet foods distributed in more than one state of the USA are subject to a host of labelling requirements covering aspects such as product names, ingredient lists, nutrient content guarantees, and nutritional adequacy statements (Dzanis ’08). An example of such a label is shown in Figure XX. In addition to meeting the federal labelling requirements, animal feed products are also subject to individual state laws. In the United States, the majority of states have adopted and enforce the AAFCO Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food. AAFCO is the official source of information on pet food labelling, ingredient definitions, official terms and standardized feed testing methodology. The approach to labelling in Canada is similar to the USA. However, Canada does not regulate pet food labels, except under the broader Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act of the Competition Bureau which covers all retail packages, including requirements for dual language (English/French) declarations. There is a “Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods” which generally follows AAFCO, although it has no legal force. Most manufacturers in Canada voluntarily choose to follow AAFCO.

Pet foods distributed in more than one state of the USA are subject to a host of labelling requirements covering aspects such as product names, ingredient lists, nutrient content guarantees, and nutritional adequacy statements (Dzanis ’08). An example of such a label is shown in Figure XX. In addition to meeting the federal labelling requirements, animal feed products are also subject to individual state laws. In the United States, the majority of states have adopted and enforce the AAFCO Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food. AAFCO is the official source of information on pet food labelling, ingredient definitions, official terms and standardized feed testing methodology. The approach to labelling in Canada is similar to the USA. However, Canada does not regulate pet food labels, except under the broader Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act of the Competition Bureau which covers all retail packages, including requirements for dual language (English/French) declarations. There is a “Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods” which generally follows AAFCO, although it has no legal force. Most manufacturers in Canada voluntarily choose to follow AAFCO.

Optional declarations on the –principal display panel (PDP) are the brand name, the manufacturer’s name, and claims in words, pictures or graphics (such as the product vignette, bursts and flags).

Optional declarations on the –principal display panel (PDP) are the brand name, the manufacturer’s name, and claims in words, pictures or graphics (such as the product vignette, bursts and flags).

==== Percentage rules ====

==== Percentage Rules ====

The percentage rules determine the terminology that can be used to describe a product depending on the inclusion level of an ingredient. For instance, the terms “lamb dinner”, “lamb recipe” or a similar designation requires that lamb (not including by-products or derivatives such

The percentage rules determine the terminology that can be used to describe a product depending on the inclusion level of an ingredient. For instance, the terms “lamb dinner”, “lamb recipe” or a similar designation requires that lamb (not including by-products or derivatives such

=== Information Panel ===

=== Information Panel ===

==== Ingredient Statement ====

==== Ingredient Statement ====

* Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt.

* Ash is the term used to define the inorganic material left after organic material has been burnt.

The calculation method, which is also described in the AAFCO Official Publication & AAFCO’s "Business of Pet Food" website (www.petfood.aafco.org), is based on the average analysis (not the guaranteed analysis) and uses the modified Atwater factors: kcal ME/kg = (% crude protein x 3.5 + % NFE x 3.5 + % crude fat x 8.5) x 10, where NFE (the non-structural carbohydrate fraction) is determined by subtracting the combined measured fractions (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture and ash) from 100.

The calculation method, which is also described in the AAFCO Official Publication & AAFCO’s "Business of Pet Food" website (www.petfood.aafco.org), is based on the average analysis (not the guaranteed analysis) and uses the modified Atwater factors: kcal ME/kg = (% crude protein x 3.5 + % NFE x 3.5 + % crude fat x 8.5) x 10, where NFE (the non-structural carbohydrate fraction) is determined by subtracting the combined measured fractions (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture and ash) from 100.

==== Name and address ====

==== Name and address ====

The name and address of the guarantor, who may be the manufacturer, importer, or distributor must be stated on the label, on the information panel. Phrases as ‘distributed by...’, ‘manufactured for...’ or ‘imported by...’may indicate that a company other than the one selling the product has manufactured the pet food. This is a common practice with private label pet foods. Products that are imported must indicate the country of manufacture alongside the Guarantor Statement.

The name and address of the guarantor, who may be the manufacturer, importer, or distributor must be stated on the label, on the information panel. Phrases as ‘distributed by...’, ‘manufactured for...’ or ‘imported by...’may indicate that a company other than the one selling the product has manufactured the pet food. This is a common practice with private label pet foods. Products that are imported must indicate the country of manufacture alongside the Guarantor Statement.

==== Batch information ====

==== Batch information ====

Information such as batch code and date of manufacture are also frequently found on pet food labels, and companies often use the ‘best before date’ or something similar to indicate the freshness date of the product. A method of traceability is also required and this information can be used to meet this need. Because of the need to continuously revise the code during production, this information is typically stamped on the label or elsewhere on the container (e.g., the bottom of the can), not necessarily in conjunction with either the principal display panel or the information panel.

Information such as batch code and date of manufacture are also frequently found on pet food labels, and companies often use the ‘best before date’ or something similar to indicate the freshness date of the product. A method of traceability is also required and this information can be used to meet this need. Because of the need to continuously revise the code during production, this information is typically stamped on the label or elsewhere on the container (e.g., the bottom of the can), not necessarily in conjunction with either the principal display panel or the information panel.

==References==

==References==

[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]

[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]