New Pet Food Labeling Standards: What's New?

Specialized News Column for Environmentalists and Environmentally Concerned Citizens

On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MOFA) issued a notice of partial amendment to the ‘Standards and Specifications of Feed, etc.’, establishing separate labeling standards for pet food (dog and cat). This is an important change for consumers' right to know and fair competition in the industry, as the legal distinction between pet food and livestock food is not clear.

The revision strengthens the responsibility of manufacturers and salespeople to prove each statement on the packaging of pet food. In particular, it requires the type of food (complete food/other food) to be labeled, the content to be labeled when emphasizing specific ingredients and functions, the product name to be strengthened, the responsibility of specialized retail salespeople to be expanded, and the labeling conditions to be subdivided into ‘natural’, ‘preservative-free’, and ‘human-grade’.

Complete food is defined as food that meets the needs of pets at all stages of growth without additional nutrition, while other foods are categorized as treats or supplements. When emphasizing specific ingredients or functions, the content must be specified, and the product name must be clearly displayed on the label. In addition, retailers will be held liable for violations of labeling.

The requirements for labeling statements have also been tightened: “natural” can only be used if it meets the standards for food additives, “preservative-free” can only be used if it is completely free of preservatives and colorants, and “human-grade” can only be used if it meets the relevant legal standards.

But there are still gaps. The standards for verification of complete feed are unclear, putting pressure on even global companies, prescription feed types are not included, and there is a lack of ingredient definitions and functional labeling standards. Further refinement of the verification criteria and enhanced consumer education are needed.

While this revision is a first step toward increasing transparency and trust in pet food, it will need to be further refined and developed.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MOFRA) Establishes Pet Food Labeling

April 30, 2025, Administrative Notice of Partial Amendment to the ‘Standards and Specifications for Feed, etc.’

Establishes separate labeling standards for pet (dog and cat) food.

Major changes

Pet food labeling will be separated into separate management, strengthening the verification responsibility of manufacturers and distributors.

Mandatory labeling of feed type (complete feed/other feed).

Mandatory labeling of content when emphasizing specific ingredients and functions.

Strengthened the obligation to display product names.

Professional distributors will also be subject to legal responsibility.

Refine the labeling conditions such as ‘natural’, ‘preservative-free’, ‘human-grade’, etc.

Gaps and Challenges

Criteria for demonstrating complete feed are unclear and differ from global standards.

Prescription feed types not included.

Lack of ingredient definition-labeling criteria.

Lack of specific guidance on functional labeling and false and misleading advertising.

Need for more substantiation standards and consumer education.

FAQ

Q1. What is the difference between complete foods and other foods?

Complete foods are foods that meet the nutritional requirements of pets at all stages of growth and can be fed as a staple diet without supplementation. Other foods are used for non-main food purposes, such as treats and supplements.

Q2. What is the difference between emphasizing a specific ingredient or feature?

If a specific ingredient or function is included in the product name, the content of the ingredient (%) or the amount of the functional ingredient (mg/g, etc.) must be indicated.

Q3. What is the difference between “natural,” “preservative-free,” and “human-grade” claims?

‘Natural’ can only be claimed if it meets food additive standards, “preservative-free” can only be claimed if it does not contain any preservatives or colorants, and “human-grade” can only be claimed if it meets applicable legal standards.

Q4. How does the liability of manufacturers and distributors differ?

Now, not only manufacturers, but also distributors are liable for labeling violations.

Q5. What are the areas that need to be improved in the future?

It is necessary to refine the criteria for demonstrating complete feeding, include prescription feed types, refine the definition of ingredients, and establish clear guidelines for functional labeling and false and misleading advertising.

#petfood #environmentalpolicy #consumerrights #feedlabelingstandards #sustainablepetlife

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