Yangzhou, China – Last month, officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) participated in the annual China International Companion Animal Food Ingredients Conference (CAFIC 2024). Hosted by LAMB Consultancy, the event focused on leveraging technology and management to enhance the safety, quality, and innovation of pet foods.
China’s pet food industry, which produces 1.46 million metric tons of dry pet food annually and has a wet pet food production value estimated at $3 billion, is experiencing rapid growth. Over the past five years, the industry has seen an average annual growth rate of 10%.
At the conference, Ted Shibata, acting director of the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Shanghai, presented an overview of U.S. pet food products, ingredients, and trade relations with China. Representatives from the Netherlands, Poland, and Thailand also shared insights, contributing to a total of 28 presentations, a panel discussion, and a tour of Keshan Pet Food.
Dr. Ashley van Batavia, a veterinarian with the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in Beijing, introduced the protocols for U.S. pet foods and rendered animal protein ingredients. She detailed the agreements between APHIS and its Chinese counterpart, emphasizing the regulatory measures APHIS enforces to ensure the biosafety of U.S. pet foods and ingredients.
Edward Potter, assistant country director at the FDA’s China Office, delivered the keynote address on “U.S. Compliance Requirements for Foreign Pet Food Facilities and Pet Food Importers.” He explained FDA regulations on pet food and ingredients, the pre-market pet food ingredient approval process, and the FSMA Final Rule for Preventive Controls for Animal Food. Potter also underscored the significance of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) and outlined the mandatory requirements for exporting pet foods to the U.S.
The conference also featured presentations from ingredient suppliers and food companies, who showcased advanced ingredient technologies and new initiatives. The panel discussion provided a platform for open dialogue on successes, challenges, and advancements in product innovation, manufacturing optimization, and quality control within the pet food industry.
