For anyone that is considering attending the AAFCO meeting in January, here are the details…
The January AAFCO meeting will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana January 8th through 10th (2014). The cost to attend the meeting is $415.00 ($440 after 12/9/13). Should you wish to purchase a 2014 AAFCO Official Publication (basically the rule book of pet food) the cost is an additional $100 ($108 for spiral bound).
The meetings are being held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Reservations made through the AAFCO website – room rate is $135.00 per night.
Click here to view the Draft Agenda of the January meeting. (Note: Public portion of the meeting begins on Wednesday January 8).
Click here to view the AAFCO website for registration and hotel reservations.
I understand that attending these meetings are expensive and to be honest, they aren’t a great deal of fun. However, we (the consumer voice) need a stronger presence at AAFCO. We need pet food consumers, independent pet store owners, groomers, trainers, and veterinarians to become part of the AAFCO meeting process. The future of pet food will only change if we are involved and push the change.
I firmly believe most pet food regulators aren’t deaf ogres…many will listen if our persistent voice is heard. Remember, from the beginning of commercial pet food there has been only a small handful of voices (directly to regulatory authorities) speaking for the pets and the pet food consumers. The largest voice(s) regulatory authorities have heard from the very beginning of pet food is industry and those that represent industry (lobby groups). This needs to change.
Should you be able to attend, please contact me so that we can plan to meet. Hope to see you there.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 2500 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
Have you read Buyer Beware? Click Here
Cooking for pets made easy, Dinner PAWsible
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
Nina Wolf
October 31, 2013 at 9:56 am
SO WISH I could afford to join you. It is killing me. This is so important, and to have witnesses and voices is huge. Hope there are some staunch supporters who can make it.
Susan Thixton
October 31, 2013 at 10:40 am
I wish you could too Nina – you would be very valuable there. Keep it on your wish list – 2 meetings each year – next one is in California in late July.
Mollie Morrissette
October 31, 2013 at 11:17 am
I am pleased to announce that Susan and I will be joined in January by Dr. Cathy Alinovi. Meanwhile, I would like to second Susan’s invitations by encouraging pet food manufacturers who have signed the Pledge to get involved and come to AAFCO meetings to give Small Pet Food a voice. I know Answers Pet Food will be there again! I would also urge veterinarians to come to AAFCO, including the Holistic Veterinary Association. And finally, I would like to invite the other pet food bloggers, to do more than just complain about the pet food industry, tbut to be part of the effort to change the pet food industry for the good from the inside. I am thrilled to be able to leave my position as arm-chair critic and attend (in person) my very first AAFCO meeting. I would like to thank the generosity of Association for Truth in Pet Food members, who, with their support, have made it possible for me to attend.
Pacific Sun
October 31, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Mollie, do you know where in California next July 2014? Thanks!
Mollie Morrissette
October 31, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Well, I do know where I’ll be in on December 6, 2013! In Sacramento at the FSMA meeting for the Proposed Rule to Establish Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals! I’m hoping I will be allowed some time to give a presentation. That should be mighty interesting! Anyone else in California want to go? Find out more at: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm371844.htm
Pingback: AAFCO Meeting in January-Public can attend - Dog Health & Nutrition - Dog Forums - I-Love-Dogs.com