CHAMPAIGN, ILL. — The new Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program, a joint collaboration between the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe), is seeking qualified candidates to be part of the expert panel for scientific reviews of new animal nutrition ingredients. Candidates with a background in animal nutrition and other sciences are encouraged to apply. 

The SRIS pathway is intended to complement the US Food and Drug Administration’s current Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice program, providing the feed industry with an additional option for introducing new and innovative products to the market.

The scientific review panels will be comprised of subject matter experts from universities and independent consultants from across the United States. Each panel will conduct a rigorous scientific review of the proposed GRAS conclusion to determine the ingredient’s safety before making a recommendation to AAFCO membership for final approval. Approved ingredients will then be added to AAFCO’s Official Publication.

“The collaboration between the review panel, K-State and AAFCO will ensure the SRIS process is safe, scientific and streamlined to meet the industry’s demand for new ingredients,” said Haley Larson, Ph.D., K-State Olathe and SRIS scientific lead. “We’re looking forward to bringing the top subject matter experts together to contribute to the advancement of the safety and quality of animal food ingredients.”

Under Larson’s direction, the SRIS process will offer a fast and accurate scientific assessment of new animal food ingredients that will be accepted by state regulators across the United States, according to AAFCO. Through the SRIS, prospective ingredients will undergo scientific evaluation at twice the speed of traditional methods while upholding rigorous scientific standards and transparency. 

“Composing a review panel of independent experts from across the country will offer a new level of innovation in animal food that we have not seen before,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “Manufacturers, and animal owners, are craving new ingredients to meet the dietary needs and trends of the industry today, and the SRIS will promote scientific advancement and efficiency while maintaining the safety standards that our animals and consumers deserve.”

Qualified candidates interested in becoming part of the SRIS process can learn more and apply through the program’s website. Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae outlining their expertise in animal nutrition or related fields, as well as information regarding any potential conflicts of interest. 

Learn more about the SRIS process.

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