The Review Process
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.
Conflict of Interest
Maintaining Fairness in Review
The SRIS team recognizes that the Animal Food Ingredient industry has been built on many forms of relationships and business connections, and that these connections may exist between submitters, competitors, and our panel reviewers.
To ensure these relationships and financial interests are considered during the SME reviewer selection process, the Steering Committee established a 3-Tier evaluation process by which all SMEs are evaluated for eligibility to serve on SRIS review panels.
This process considers the information that has been submitted within SME candidate applications, including the SRIS Conflict of Interest report.
- Tier-1: The SRIS team evaluates information like employment history, stock ownership, and patent holdings.
- Tier-2: Candidates who pass Tier 1 are then evaluated for research funding and consulting arrangements.
- Tier-3: If multiple qualified candidates remain, academic advising relationships may be considered to finalize panel selection.
Call for Reviewers
Do you have a background in animal nutrition? We invite you to share your expertise as a subject matter expert (SME) for the SRIS program regulatory review panels.
Recommend an Expert
Do you know someone who would make a great reviewer? Let us know!
Preparing a Submission
Learn what six key areas to focus on when writing your dossier and download the template to get started.
View the Annotated Guide for Reviewers
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.
