CPN CPN Pet Food Evaluation & Labeling

Question 1

What does the acronym AAFCO stand for in the context of US pet food regulation?

Accepted Answer

Association of American Feed Control Officials

Answer

AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, the advisory body that establishes model regulations, ingredient definitions, and nutrient profiles for pet food.

Question 2

What minimum duration is required for an AAFCO feeding trial to validate an adult maintenance nutritional adequacy claim?

Accepted Answer

26 weeks

Answer

AAFCO adult maintenance feeding trials require a minimum of 26 weeks (6 months) with at least 8 animals completing the study to substantiate a complete and balanced claim.

Question 3

What are the two methods AAFCO allows pet food companies to use to substantiate a 'complete and balanced' nutritional claim?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient profile formulation and feeding trials

Answer

AAFCO permits companies to either formulate to (or analytically verify against) the AAFCO nutrient profiles, or to conduct and pass AAFCO-protocol feeding trials, to claim complete and balanced nutrition.

Question 4

A pet food labeled 'for all life stages' must meet the nutritional requirements of which life stage, per AAFCO guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Growth and reproduction — the most demanding stage

Answer

To qualify for an 'all life stages' claim, the food must meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth and reproduction, the most nutritionally demanding life stage.

Question 5

Which statement on a pet food label is considered the official 'nutritional adequacy statement'?

Accepted Answer

'Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance'

Answer

The nutritional adequacy statement is a required label element that specifies the substantiation method (formulated or feeding trial) and the intended life stage, and is the only statement referencing AAFCO.

CPN - Clinical Pet Nutritionist Practice Test

CPN - Clinical Pet Nutritionist Practice Test

CPN CPN Pet Food Evaluation & Labeling