0581-AD20 201610 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0581 Agricultural Marketing Service AMS 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA National Organic Program, Organic Pet Food Standards

The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes national standards governing the marketing of organically produced agricultural products. In 2004, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) initiated the development of organic pet food standards, which had not been incorporated into the NOP regulations, by forming a task force which included pet food manufacturers, organic consultants, etc. Collectively, these experts drafted organic pet food standards consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, Food and Drug Administration requirements, and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Regulations for Pet and Specialty Pet Food. The AAFCO regulations are scientifically based regulations for voluntary adoption by State jurisdictions to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of feed. In November 2008, the NOSB approved a final recommendation for organic pet food standards incorporating the provisions drafted by the pet food task force.

]]> Other Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Proposed Rule Stage No No 7 CFR 205 7 U.S.C. 6501 No NPRM 05/00/2017 Yes Businesses Federal Yes No Yes No Miles McEvoy V. Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program 0581 Agricultural Marketing Service AMS 202 720-3252 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20250