Submit an Ingredient for Review
Get started on a review
Would you like to propose a new ingredient definition or a modification to an existing ingredient definition for use in animal feed/food?
Prior to submitting a request for a new or modified definition to the AAFCO Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS), we recommend that submitters consider and review the current ingredient definitions and develop a draft definition that includes the intended use. See Chapter 6 of the most current AAFCO Official Publication (OP) for a complete listing of ingredient definitions.
Should an existing definition not cover the ingredient or use of interest, SRIS may be an avenue for a new or modified definition[1]. All SRIS submissions for new or modified feed ingredient definitions should fit within the AAFCO definition process as a substance that aligns with the requirements for Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS - 21 CFR 570.30 (b)) substances intended for use in animal food. Download and read the SRIS Submission Guide for the full guidelines.
This means that the draft definition should:
- Be non-proprietary, as not to favor one ingredient manufacturer over another
- Be a single ingredient and not a combination of ingredients
- Include an intended use that is not to mitigate, treat or diagnose a disease (though it may prevent a nutritional deficiency)
- Provide nutrition, flavor, aroma for the animal or provide a technical effect in the feed
If after reviewing the OP you feel your ingredient definition submission is ready for the next step, please contact the AAFCO ingredient definition committee by email at definitions@aafco.org to discuss the draft definition.
Each proposed ingredient definition submission will be initially evaluated based on the intended use of the ingredient, the animal species to which it is intended and the potential impact on human food products (meat, milk, eggs, etc.). Submissions may vary in complexity; the submitting firm, the AAFCO investigator and the SRIS team will work to assess each submission and assign it to the appropriate submission package level. This evaluation will determine the suitability for evaluation under the SRIS, the number of reviewers needed and provide a cost estimate.
Examples of the cost breakdown are provided here:
Basic Scientific Review
Modification[1] of an existing AAFCO definition or technical feed additive that requires a scientific review from qualified subject matter experts.
- Includes review by a maximum of 2 reviewers.
$10,000
Starting price per ingredient
Full Submission Package
New AAFCO ingredient definition for 1 or 2 (similar) animal species or classes of animal species (e.g. layers or dairy) that requires scientific review from qualified subject matter experts.
- Panel will consist of a minimum of 2 reviewers based on intended use, target animal species and/or human food products (i.e. meat, milk, eggs) with potential to be affected.
- Extra reviewer(s)[2] may be required based on complexity of the review and target animal species involved.
$25,000
Starting price per ingredient
Expanded Submission Package
New AAFCO ingredient definition for 3 or more animal species or more animal species or classes of animal species (e.g. layers or dairy) that requires a scientific review from qualified subject matter experts.
- Panel will consist of a minimum of 3 reviewers based on intended use, target animal species, and/or human food products (meat, milk, eggs) with potential to be affected.
- Extra reviewer(s)[2]
- may be required based on complexity of the review and target animal species involved and human food products potentially affected.
$35,000
Starting price per ingredient
[1] Modification, in this process, means any type of change to an existing AAFCO definition that is scientific in nature and needs to be supported by appropriate data to substantiate the change. This change may result in altering the composition of an ingredient that is publicly available in the market.
[2] When extra reviewer(s) are needed, the cost may increase an additional $5,000 per reviewer and may require an additional 10-15 business days of review time. AAFCO and K-State Olathe will determine the number of reviewers required for each submission during the AAFCO investigator review period. Firms will be notified about this change.
Assigning Reviewers
Subject Matter Expert Review Panel
The K-State Olathe (KSO) Expert Review Panel is a scientific review panel proposed to consist of 1-5 subject matter experts (SMEs) with expertise in ingredients, chemistry and/or manufacturing technologies, human food safety and nutrition of the animal species relevant to the proposed new ingredient definition or definition modification.
The number of reviewers will be determined based on initial conversations with AAFCO investigators, the KSO SRIS team and submitters, and the nature of the ingredient definition/modification proposed. Costs may vary based on the number of target animal species involved and the human food products potentially affected. Exact costs will be determined through conversations with AAFCO investigators and the KSO SRIS team during initial conversations with submitters.
Experts asked to serve on this panel will be drawn from a pool based on their expertise pertinent to the proposed ingredient definition request. In forming the Expert Review Panel, KSO takes steps to avoid bias, ensure a balance of expertise and maintain independence. Subject Matter Experts are recruited from universities across the U.S., independent consultants, and other qualified experts. Eligible SMEs will have completed the internal SRIS application process (which includes submitting a conflict of interest report, up-to-date CV and designated areas of expertise) and SRIS SME training modules, to ensure a baseline knowledge of animal nutrition regulations is understood by all reviewers involved in the SRIS pathway.
Evaluation of the SME candidates’ eligibility to serve as well as the content of the SME trainings have been reviewed and approved by the SRIS steering committee made up of representatives from the state regulatory agencies and animal nutrition industry. Please review the About SRIS page for a current list of our steering committee members.
View the Guide
A guide to submitting new or modified ingredient definitions to AAFCO is now available. View or download a copy of the document to learn more.
