(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, DC – The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treat products in the United States, commends the passage of the U.S. House of Representative’s fiscal 2023 “minibus” package of six appropriations bills. The minibus package includes an amendment sponsored by Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind. and other bipartisan cosponsors that provides $8 million in funding to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. The increased funding will help expedite reviews for new feed ingredients. Studies show that it currently takes companies three to five years to receive FDA approval on new ingredients, which delays innovation.
“We thank Rep. Baird and his cosponsors for their forward thinking,” said PFI president and CEO Dana Brooks. “It’s critical that the U.S. has a regulatory framework that allows for the timely approval of pet food ingredients that represent the latest in nutrition science. The goal of pet food manufacturers is to develop recipes that deliver the nutrients our pets need to live long, healthy lives. A timely approval path allows manufacturers to make the latest innovations available to consumers as quickly as possible.”
For more information about the Pet Food Institute, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.
About The Pet Food Institute
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food and treat makers. PFI is the industry’s representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; a public education and media relations resource; an organizer of seminars and educational programs; and a liaison to other organizations. PFI represents the companies making up 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food and treat products, an industry achieving more than $50 billion in U.S. retail sales and $2 billion in exports in 2021. Visit www.petfoodinstitute.org to learn more.
