Submit an Ingredient for Review

Get started on a review

Would you like to propose a new AAFCO ingredient definition or a modification to an existing AAFCO 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. 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, including the animal species that will consume it, 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. Learn more about estimates and cost breakdowns on the pricing page.