The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has announced an online, three-part self-study course for AAFCO members and nonmembers involved with defining animal feed and pet food ingredients.

The course is separated into three progressive modules covering the ingredient definitions process, including:

• How to establish communication with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and the AAFCO investigator
• Submitting a Food Additive Petition to the FDA or notifying the CVM that the ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe for your proposed use
• The AAFCO or FDA regulatory definition of safety pertaining to the ingredient’s uses in animal food

“We are delighted to be able to offer this easy-to-use but comprehensive online program,” said Susan M. Hays, AAFCO executive director. “It lets learners come up to speed quickly on their own, saving management training time while staff gain competence in completing the AAFCO process.” Retention checks throughout the course help learners confirm their understanding of each point being covered.

The course content can also be used for staff development sessions to help managers build team competence in the AAFCO process, especially for complex steps like safety and utility that often result in declined ingredient packages. It is recommended for newly hired personnel at ingredient manufacturers, researchers wanting a greater understanding of the regulatory data needed, current staff who need a better understanding of the definition process, and anyone involved with defining animal feed and pet food ingredients.

The cost is $150 for personnel at ingredient manufacturers, research organizations, universities, industry companies, and other AAFCO nonmember or nonregulatory registrants, and $99 for AAFCO members (email aafco@aafco.org to verify membership and receive a discount code).

Registration is now available here.