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Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) Spotlight
 Did you know that WSDA can help answer any questions you may have regarding the new PFLM regulations? The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) workgroups have finalized and are finalizing additional resources and training materials. WSDA is interested in hosting PFLM training events or developing more resources as needed.
Let us know what you would need or would like to see to help you through these changes! Reach out to petfood@agr.wa.gov today.
WSDA Releases Washington Animal Welfare Assessment
Report highlights companion animal welfare concerns and contributing factors.
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has released the Washington Animal Welfare Assessment. The report provides key background information, identifies needs and gaps, and builds the foundation for next steps to improve the animal welfare system in Washington.
The Objectives
- Compile and synthesize existing data to identify the contributing factors impacting animal welfare issues including but not limited to cat and dog population estimates, distribution, and ownership demographics.
- Assess the number and distribution of animal shelters and rescues, animal control agencies, and veterinary services.
- Capture current regulations, licensing and registration of animals, animal entities, and existing gaps.
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Welcome to the Animal Feed Program Newsletter
A monthly newsletter with quick news, information, and tips for the animal food industry in Washington State and beyond..
In This Issue
 Acronyms & abbreviations found in this issue
AAFCO: Association of American Feed Control Officials
AFP: Animal Feed Program
FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FSA: Farm Service Agency
FSMA: Food Safety Modernization Act
PFLM: Pet Food Label Modernization
RRAs: Remote Regulatory Assessments
USDA: United States Department of Agriculture
VFD: Veterinary Feed Directive
VSM: Value Stream Mapping
WSDA: Washington State Department of Agriculture
WSU: Washington State University.
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WSDA International Marketing Program Hosts In-Market Representatives Annual Visit
Meet with WSDA's in-market representatives from SE Asia, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan and Mexico/Central America for one-on-one in-person consultations in Tacoma (August 4th and 5th) and Yakima (August 6th). Consultations are a great opportunity for you to learn about these markets, understand local distribution channels, identify opportunities, and much more! There is no cost to participate. Company consultation costs are being covered by WSDA. The deadline to sign up is July 28th, 5:00 PM.
Contact Julie Johnson, (360) 790-1060 for more information or visit the event page.
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Wildfire Preparedness Toolkit Now Available
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Wildfire season is here—remember to check out and share WSDA’s Wildfire Preparedness Toolkit, created specifically for agricultural communities and emergency partners.
The toolkit includes tips on protecting agricultural assets, emergency response planning, and guidance for communication during wildfires. |
New: Pet Food Donation Guide for Emergency Response
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Animal food insecurity is real. Help keep pets fed and healthy. Pet food donated to emergency relief organizations must be registered with the WSDA Animal Feed Program to ensure safety. Just like stores follow our guidelines, WSDA oversees all pet and specialty pet food distributed in the state. View the Pet Food Guide. |
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Drug Residue/VFD Resources by Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship has put together Frequently Asked Questions and resources for facilities that use animal drugs that may be a concern for drug residues. One such resource, the VFD Key and Record Sheet helps keep you organized with Veterinary Feed Directive Requirements. Check out the resources on their website.
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Be the Link Between Your Agricultural Community & the USDA
Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025.
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FDA Guidance for Industry: Conducting Remote Regulatory Assessments Questions and Answers
FDA is announcing the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled “Conducting Remote Regulatory Assessments--Questions and Answers.” FDA issued the revised draft guidance to describe the Agency’s thinking regarding its use of Remote Regulatory Assessments (RRAs), to help increase the industry’s understanding of voluntary and mandatory RRAs, and to facilitate FDA’s process for conducting remote assessments for FDA-regulated products outside of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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Educational Opportunities |
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July 22, 2025
Virtual Workshop
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AI-Assisted Value Stream Mapping Webinar - Impact WA
The AI-Assisted Value Stream Mapping webinar is hosted by TechHelp and will help you discover how to elevate your value stream mapping (VSM) with the power of artificial intelligence.
Register here.
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August 4-6, 2025
In-Person Meeting
Omaha, NE
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AAFCO Annual Meeting - Aug. 4-6
Registration is now open for AAFCO's 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place August 4-6 in Omaha, Nebraska.
This year's Annual Meeting will include networking, speakers, state and industry-relevant updates, and a two-day Pet Food Labeling Workshop. Visit the event page for registration details, pricing, and more
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August 6-7, 2025
In-Person or Virtual Workshop
Omaha, NE
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AAFCO Pet Food Labeling Workshop - Aug, 6-7
Join AAFCO for a 1.5-day Pet Food Labeling workshop presented by industry and regulatory experts.
Attendees will learn about current and new pet and specialty pet food labeling, ingredients, claims, common misconceptions, and more.
Event information and Registration
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Aug. 26-28, 2025
In-Person Course
Pullman, WA
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Extrusion Processing Short Course - Pulse Ingredients and Applications - WSU Extension
This introductory course will provide information about the extrusion processing systems, extruder parts, basic heat and mass transfer, extruder screws and dies, food ingredient functionality and food product development with extrusion. The course will provide practical examples of product development with extrusion using ingredients.
An overview of the various pulses, ingredients derived from them, their functionalities, processing, and product development will be discussed.
Event Information and Registration
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Sept. 3, 2025
Online Webinar
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Food Safety Culture Webinar #1 - How to Turn a Problem into an Opportunity
The FDA and Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness co-host Food Safety Culture Webinar Series.
Join FDA for seven interactive, hour-long webinars throughout the next year designed to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your commitment to food safety. Each session will feature industry experts who will share valuable insights, real-world tools and actionable strategies to enhance food safety culture across your organization.
Webinar Information and Registration
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Oct. 21, 2025
In Person - Tacoma
Oct. 23, 2025
In Person - Spokane
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Washington Smart Manufacturing Roadshow - Impact WA
Impact Washington will bring the Smart Manufacturing Roadshow to Washington state this October during Manufacturing Month with two stops in Tacoma and Spokane and you’re invited to be a part of it.
This national event series will bring together small and medium-sized manufacturers, and the broader manufacturing ecosystem for a day of sharing the latest advancements in Smart Manufacturing technologies, exploring real-world use cases, and discussing how these innovations can drive efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Learn more here.
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Feed For Thought
the monthly installment of tidbits and did you knows
Looking for labs to provide analytical testing for your products?
Washington State University maintains a webpage with analytical laboratories and consultants serving agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. There is a wide range of analyses including nutrition, living organisms, and chemical analysis. If you're looking for laboratory testing, check out this valuable resource.
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Animal Feed Program Mission: We regulate the production and distribution of animal food to ensure its safety and integrity, in order to protect animal and public health and to ensure market fairness. |
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