Pet News

In a significant move to enhance the safety and innovation within the animal food sector, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus have unveiled the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program. This collaborative endeavor is now actively receiving applications for the approval of novel animal food ingredients and revisions to current ingredient definitions. The program is structured with three distinct submission tiers: Basic Scientific Review, Full Submission Package, and Expanded Submission Package, accommodating ingredients intended for both livestock and companion animals.

The SRIS program is meticulously designed to review non-proprietary, singular ingredients whose proposed uses are for nutritional provision, flavor enhancement, or aroma contribution in animal feed. Crucially, these ingredients must not be intended to mitigate, treat, or diagnose diseases, though they may play a role in preventing nutritional deficiencies. Ingredients that are already cataloged in Chapter 6 of the AAFCO Official Publication are not eligible for submission. An Expert Review Panel, co-led by Dr. Haley Larson and Dr. Garret Ashabranner from K-State Olathe, will initially assess submissions based on their intended application, target animal species, and potential impact on human food products, subsequently determining the appropriate submission package level.

Following the initial assessment, the Expert Review Panel, comprising two to five specialists in areas such as ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing, human food safety, and animal nutrition, will rigorously evaluate the safety and suitability of the ingredient. Their recommendations will then be presented to the AAFCO membership for final endorsement. Once an ingredient definition receives approval, it will be integrated into the AAFCO Official Publication, a recognized standard by both the animal food industry and regulatory bodies globally. This program mirrors the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized as Safe Notice program and offers a unique regulatory pathway that complements existing FDA processes by providing a more efficient, yet thorough, review for animal food ingredient definitions.

This initiative represents a pivotal step towards fostering innovation while upholding stringent safety and scientific benchmarks in the animal food industry. By streamlining the review process, the SRIS program not only facilitates the timely introduction of beneficial ingredients but also reinforces a commitment to the well-being of animals and the confidence of consumers. It exemplifies how collaboration and robust scientific review can collectively drive progress and set new standards in an essential industry.

In a remarkable stride towards environmental conservation, Earthborn Holistic's \"Earthborn ReBorn\" program has successfully recycled an impressive two million pet food and treat bags over the past ten years. This significant achievement has diverted over a quarter-million pounds of packaging waste from landfills, marking a substantial contribution to sustainable practices within the pet care industry. The initiative highlights a collaborative effort with TerraCycle, making eco-friendly options readily available to pet owners.

Earthborn Holistic Celebrates a Decade of Impactful Pet Food Packaging Recycling

In October 2015, Earthborn Holistic Pet Food, a division of Midwestern Pet Foods, initiated its pioneering \"Earthborn ReBorn\" sustainability program. Collaborating with TerraCycle, a leader in hard-to-recycle waste solutions, the program was designed to offer a convenient and cost-free recycling avenue for used pet food and treat bags. Pet owners can drop off empty Earthborn Holistic packaging at designated retail locations, which are then processed by TerraCycle for recycling and upcycling, ensuring these materials are repurposed rather than discarded.

As of its tenth anniversary, the program proudly announced the recycling of more than 2 million bags, cumulatively preventing 260,649 pounds of packaging from entering landfills. Brandi Kramer, marketing manager for Earthborn Holistic, emphasized the program's resonance with environmentally conscious pet families, stating, \"We've made sustainability simple and accessible.\" She underscored the dual benefit of the program: providing an eco-friendly end-of-life for packaging and fostering a healthier future for both pets and the planet.

Adding to its sustainability credentials, all Earthborn Holistic dog food packaging incorporates 25% recycled material. This is achieved through the ISCC mass balance approach, a system that traces material flow within the chemical industry to verify sustainable content. Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle, praised the enduring partnership, particularly highlighting its relevance during World Animal Month. He noted that the collaboration demonstrates the potential when brands take ownership of their packaging's lifecycle, empowering consumers to contribute to responsible resource management and healthy habitats.

Pet owners interested in participating can easily locate nearby drop-off points via the program map available on TerraCycle's website. This decade-long endeavor exemplifies a successful model for corporate environmental responsibility, demonstrating how industry leaders can integrate sustainability into their core operations while engaging their customer base in meaningful ecological action.

This initiative from Earthborn Holistic offers a profound lesson on the power of corporate responsibility and collaborative innovation. It demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships, industries can transform waste into valuable resources, effectively reducing environmental impact. The success of the \"Earthborn ReBorn\" program not only champions sustainable consumption and production but also inspires both companies and consumers to actively participate in building a greener future for our planet and its inhabitants. It highlights how accessible recycling solutions can empower individuals, making environmental stewardship an integral part of everyday life.