Pet industry sets out demands ahead of the European elections
The newly appointed Secretary General of FEDIAF, the trade body representing the European pet food industry, shares the topics that will be high on the agenda in the coming months.
In light of the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, FEDIAF has produced a manifesto that represents the needs of the pet food industry based on its 3 pillars: to provide safe and nutritious pet food; to highlight the important role of pets in society; and to promote sustainability from farm to bowl. The organization is presenting these asks to policymakers for the upcoming policy cycle.
Creating open dossiers
FEDIAF continues to champion the pet food industry’s interests and is currently working on some open dossiers.
A key focus has been the European Commission proposal for the Green Claims Directive, which FEDIAF welcomed, as it has always acknowledged the need for clear legislation regarding business-to-consumer marketing claims of an environmental nature. This would create a level playing field in the pet food industry.
FEDIAF has also been advocating for an EU-harmonized legislative framework and recommends the Product Environmental Footprint method. This Life Cycle Assessment methodology was developed by experts and validated by the Commission. Covering 16 impact categories of a product, it helps to identify the biggest impact areas in a product’s life cycle and to adapt recipes to track and improve the environmental performance of products.
Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules should be acknowledged as the standard calculation method for substantiating environmental impact claims related to pet food. This will enable consumers to make proper comparisons between products – simplifying their lives and resulting in a shift towards more sustainable buying patterns.
The European pet food sector was proud to partner with the Commission in a pilot project to support the development of these rules, which were endorsed in 2018. Since then, FEDIAF has been committed to supporting, developing and updating this methodology.
Spotlight on packaging
With regard to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR), FEDIAF was broadly supportive of the Commission’s approach with its objective to harmonize rules and minimize packaging and packaging waste, and the organization engaged with MEPs to highlight the importance of ensuring pet food safety as part of the PPWR discussions in committee.
Reflecting its objective to promote the important role of pets in society as well as pet welfare, FEDIAF has welcomed the recent proposal for new rules on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. This long-awaited legislation established uniform EU rules for the welfare of dogs and cats that are bred or kept in breeding establishments, pet shops and shelters. For the first time ever, minimum standards will apply to the breeding, housing, care and treatment of these animals across the EU.
In terms of FEDIAF’s contribution to the legislation, it focuses on its area of expertise. For example, proposing some minor but important points for the feeding and watering section (Article 11). That includes providing clear justification by referencing the Nutritional Guidelines, a reference resource in existing EU regulations.
This harmonized reference document focuses on dog and cat nutrition and is developed in conjunction with experts on the FEDIAF Scientific Advisory Board, which comprises board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Ensuring ingredient safety
Another priority is ingredients, which are fundamental to the supply of safe and nutritious pet food. FEDIAF continues to advocate that Category 3 animal fats should not be considered for use as biofuels. This usage contradicts waste hierarchy principles and adversely affects our circular economy.
Another advocacy issue is the approval of feed additives without disproportionate data requirements. Also, the request that FEDIAF is included and engaged with during the regulatory process for additive review and future feed legislation updates.
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