The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has teamed up with Kansas State University Olathe to launch a new initiative aimed at reviewing animal food ingredients. The Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program is currently looking for qualified experts in animal nutrition and related sciences to join its scientific review panel. 

The expert panel will consist of professionals from universities and independent consultants across the United States. Their role will be to conduct thorough assessments of ingredients proposed as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) to determine their safety. Following these reviews, recommendations will be made to AAFCO members for final approval. Ingredients that receive approval will be added to AAFCO’s Official Publication, recognised globally as a key resource for approved animal feed ingredients.

About the role

Haley Larson, PhD, the scientific lead at K-State Olathe, commented, “The collaboration between the review panel, K-State and AAFCO will ensure the SRIS process is safe, scientific and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients.” She expressed eagerness to include top experts to enhance the safety and quality of animal food substances.

Under Larson’s leadership, the SRIS process aims to provide quick and precise scientific evaluations of new animal food ingredients, accepted by state regulators nationwide. This process will allow potential ingredients to be assessed in half the time of traditional methods, while still maintaining high standards of scientific rigour and transparency.

Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO, noted, “Composing a review panel of independent experts from across the country will offer a new level of innovation in animal food that we have not seen before.” He emphasised the industry’s growing need for new ingredients to meet the evolving dietary requirements and trends, stating that SRIS will advance scientific progress and efficiency while ensuring safety standards for animals and consumers.

The SRIS program will be in a complementary role with the US Food and Drug Administration’s GRAS Notice program, providing the feed industry with an option for bringing new products to market.

How to apply?

Interested experts are invited to learn more and apply for a position on the SRIS panel. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae highlighting their qualifications in animal nutrition or similar fields, along with any potential conflicts of interest. Individuals can visit the SRIS program’s website for updates and further information.

To apply, click here.