NASC Updates Position on PFLM: What to Know Now

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been working on Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM), a comprehensive project to update the Pet Food Model Regulations, which applies specifically to products intended for dogs and cats only.

In January 2024, the changes were adopted and first published in the 2024 AAFCO Official Publication.

The goal is to make pet food labels easier for consumers to understand by improving transparency, aligning more closely with human food labeling, and ensuring consistency across the industry.

PFLM introduces key label changes, including a more familiar Nutrition Facts box, a clearly displayed Intended Use statement, updated ingredient naming conventions, and optional standardized Handling and Storage icons.

The new format will affect every pet food product distributed for dogs and cats in the United States, including treats and supplements.

NASC's Position: Then and Now

Late last year, NASC advised members to hold off on implementing PFLM changes until we had assured that all 50 states would accept labels following the new format.

This caution was based on concerns about market disruption, specifically, the risk of registration denial in states that hadn’t yet adopted the updated model regulations.

Following the 2025 annual survey of state regulators, however, we now know that all 50 states have confirmed they will exercise regulatory discretion and accept labels that are compliant with either the new (PFLM) or previous model regulations.

As a result, NASC now supports members moving forward with implementation.

Next Steps for NASC Members

We encourage members to begin preparing for PFLM implementation using the following action steps:

✅ Participate in formal training. The changes are extensive and detailed. Simply reading the AAFCO regulations may not be enough. Training is available through AAFCO, NASC, AFIA, and PFI.

✅ Begin implementing label changes, especially if you're designing new packaging, launching new products, or reprinting existing packaging.

✅ Plan ahead for resource limitations.

• Labs: Dietary fiber and total carbohydrate values are now required. Not all labs are equipped to run these analyses, so anticipate possible delays.
  
  
• Printing: Expect longer lead times when ordering new packaging.

Note: A product registered in a state is not a guarantee that its label has been reviewed or approved under PFLM guidelines.

Helpful Resources

🔹 NASC Labeling Webpage (NASC Primary Supplier Members Only)
Explore updated resources and guidance documents. Scroll down to the section labeled: (PFLM version)“The following guidance documents reflect AAFCO’s Model Regulations for Pet Food as of 2024-current”
👉https://www.nasc.cc/welcome-primary-supplier/labelling/

🔹 AAFCO PFLM Landing Page
Review the full overview of PFLM, training opportunities, and implementation details.
👉 https://aafco.org/pflm

🔹 NASC February 2024 PFLM Webinar & Slides
👉 https://www.nasc.cc/webinars/

Questions? The NASC Compliance Team is Here to Help

If you have questions about PFLM, label compliance, or need guidance on next steps, please reach out to your NASC Account Manager:

• Katie Brenner
• Jennifer Gornnert
• Miriam Wood
• Kelli Younker

Final Thoughts

While full implementation of PFLM is expected to unfold over the next five years, now is the time to begin. The transition may bring logistical and regulatory challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

NASC is committed to supporting you every step of the way!