The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), in partnership with the Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus, has launched a new review process for evaluating animal food ingredients. The Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program is designed to provide a faster, scientifically robust assessment of new ingredients intended for companion animal food and livestock feed.
Approved by AAFCO members in January 2025, SRIS is designed to cut ingredient review times in half compared to the traditional process. The program is structured to meet the needs of state regulators, industry stakeholders and researchers by offering transparent and standardized evaluations accepted across the U.S.
“The SRIS program marks a pivotal milestone in a new era of innovation and efficiency for the animal food industry,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “We believe this accelerated approval process will promote scientific advancement and efficiency, while simultaneously maintaining the rigorous safety standards that our animals and consumers deserve.”
How the SRIS review process works
All submissions will be managed by AAFCO, which will determine the appropriate review level and package. The scientific review itself will be conducted by a panel assembled by K-State Olathe, led by Haley Larson, PhD. This panel will include experts from universities nationwide and independent consultants to ensure species diversity and technical depth. Their recommendations will be submitted to AAFCO for final approval, and accepted ingredients will be published in AAFCO’s Official Publication — widely recognized by both domestic and international regulators.
“It’s an exciting time for the advancement of the safety and quality of animal food ingredients,” said Larson. “We are honored to contribute our scientific and technical expertise to a collaborative process that is safe, scientific, and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients while upholding AAFCO’s unwavering standards for animal and human health.”
The SRIS program replaces AAFCO’s previous Ingredient Definition Request process, which ended after the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is intended to complement the FDA’s existing Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice program and provide the industry with an additional, science-driven approval pathway.
AAFCO is expected to begin accepting SRIS applications later this year.
For more information, visit the SRIS program website.
Adapted from a press release.
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