Pet food, now you know what you're getting

 Pet food, now you know what you're getting

Pet food labeling standards to be significantly strengthened starting in 2025

On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MOLFA) announced a revision to the Standards and Specifications for Feed, etc. The revisions are significant for pet owners, environmentalists, and the general public who care about the environment, as they will strengthen the consumer's right to know by clearly categorizing feeds and providing accurate information.

Food types, now clearly distinguished

At the heart of the amendments is a clear distinction between types of food: all pet food must now be labeled as either 'complete food' or 'other food (treats, nutritional supplements, dietary supplements, etc.)'. Complete foods must meet nutrient requirements for each growth stage and be certified by an accredited testing laboratory to be recognized as “complete”. Treats or products intended for specific purposes are categorized as 'other feed' and labeled with a more granular name.

Ingredients and benefits, transparently disclosed

To increase consumer trust, ingredient labeling will also be strengthened. When using premixed ingredients, the three ingredients with the highest content must be listed in order, and when emphasizing a specific ingredient name or benefit, the exact percentage of that ingredient must be disclosed. We also made it easier for consumers to understand ingredient names that are difficult to understand by translating them into familiar terms.

Stricter use of 'organic' and 'human grade' claims

The use of highly sought-after phrases such as eco-friendly, organic, and human grade is also strictly limited. The word “organic” must be certified under the Organic Agriculture and Fisheries Act, and “human-grade” can only be used if it meets the standards of relevant laws, such as the Food Sanitation Act. Hype and misleading promotions are also strictly limited.

Parents should choose wisely and consult with experts

While these amendments clarify the criteria for choosing a pet food, it is still important to consider a variety of factors, including your pet's health, age, breed, and activity level. If you are having difficulty choosing a food, it is recommended that you consult with an expert at your veterinary clinic to customize your pet's nutrition, especially if your pet has special needs such as atopy, obesity, or kidney or pancreatic disease.

The bottom line

The strengthening of pet food labeling is an important change to protect both consumer rights and pet health. We hope that environmentalists, concerned citizens, and all pet parents will use these changes to make more informed choices.

Highlights of the new pet food labeling standards

On April 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MOFA) issued an administrative notice to amend the 'Standards and Specifications for Pet Food'.

The types of feed are clearly categorized into 'complete feed' and 'other feeds (snacks, nutritional supplements, dietary supplements, etc.)', which will be mandatorily labeled on the product.

'Complete feeds' must meet essential nutrient standards for each growth stage and be certified by an accredited testing laboratory.

Strengthened ingredient labeling standards: When using premixed ingredients, the top three ingredients must be listed in order, and when highlighting a specific ingredient or benefit, the exact percentage of the ingredient must be listed.

The use of phrases such as “organic” and “human-grade” requires official certification in accordance with applicable laws.

Restrict the promotion of exaggerated and misleading manufacturing methods.

Strengthening the informed rights of parents and consumers and increasing the possibility of personalized feeding choices.

Still some time to go before implementation, emphasizing the need for expert consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a complete food?

A. A complete diet is a staple food that meets all nutritional needs (amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc.) for each stage of a pet's life. It must be certified by an accredited testing laboratory to be recognized as a complete food.

Q2. What are the other feed products?

A. It refers to feeds made for specific purposes such as snacks, nutritional supplements, and dietary control. Products should be labeled as 'Other feed - snacks (jerky)', 'Other feed - nutritional control', etc.

Q3. How does the labeling of feed ingredients change?

A. When using premixed ingredients, the three ingredients with the highest content must be listed in order, and if a specific ingredient or benefit is emphasized, the exact percentage of that ingredient must also be listed.

Q4. How is food certified as 'organic' or 'human grade'?

A. “Organic” requires certification under the Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Act, and “human-grade” can only be used if there is official proof that it has met relevant legal standards, such as food hygiene laws.

Q5. What should I do if I'm having trouble choosing a food?

A. We recommend consulting with a veterinary professional at your veterinary clinic, who will be able to recommend the best food based on your pet's health, age, breed, activity level, and other factors.

#petfood #environment #consumerrights #nutritioncounseling #foodlabelingstandards