Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2025 or the PURR Act of 2025This bill establishes the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the sole regulatory authority over pet food for dogs and cats. It also provides certain flexibilities for pet food manufacturers with respect to the types of ingredients they may use and the associated labeling and marketing requirements.The bill specifies that, with exceptions for certain existing oversight activities, no state or local government may establish, implement, or enforce any authority or requirement relating to pet food marketing or labeling and instead provides for oversight by the CVM.The bill requires the CVM to review and act on pet food ingredient submissions within 90 days. Additionally, the bill provides a presumption that pet food ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) if they are recognized as acceptable per the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the CVM does not find otherwise. Manufacturers may voluntarily notify the CVM of ingredients that are considered GRAS but that have not yet been specifically recognized as such.The bill also allows manufacturers to state, without prior approval, that their products (1) sometimes, but not always, have certain ingredients (e.g., flavors); (2) have certain health benefits (e.g., tartar control); or (3) are human grade or natural, if certain conditions are met.
The primary impact of HB597 is the establishment of a standardized federal framework for the regulation of pet food, which is crucial given the industry's rapid growth. The bill mandates that no state may impose regulations regarding pet food labeling or advertising that directly conflict with federal standards. This preemption is aimed at creating consistency across the market and ensuring that pet food is safe, nutritious, and marketed accurately. It also facilitates innovations in pet food formulations by streamlining the approval process for new ingredients.
House Bill 597, known as the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to enhance the regulation and administration of companion animal pet food. This bill aims to ensure that the labels, labeling, and advertising of pet food are uniformly regulated at the federal level, rather than being left to a patchwork of state laws. This legislative effort arises from the recognition of the pet food industry's significant economic contribution and the evolving understanding of pet owners regarding the quality and nutritional needs of pet food.
However, the bill does face potential opposition from certain stakeholders who may argue that federal preemption of state regulations could diminish the ability of states to enforce more stringent safety standards or address particular regional concerns about pet food quality. Critics have expressed concerns that this uniformity could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach that does not take into account local preferences or needs. Furthermore, the guidelines allowing marketing claims, such as those concerning ingredients or health benefits for pets, could be seen as inadequate in ensuring consumer protection unless rigorously enforced by the FDA.
Another notable aspect of the legislation is the provision for the Food and Drug Administration to establish specific guidelines for the review and approval of pet food ingredients classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). This aims to facilitate quicker access to safe new ingredients for pet food manufacturers while ensuring consumer safety. Additionally, the bill highlights the importance of educating consumers on pet food safety and quality, which may help build trust in pet food products during its implementation.