Raw meat that is NOT ground and/or mixed with other ingredients is exempt from the Indiana Commercial Feed Law, provided the product is not adulterated, ID 15-19-17-2. The product label and labeling (including websites, brochures, social media, etc.) may not make nutritional claims, such as a guaranteed analysis and/or claims such as “high in protein”, “good source of iron”, or similar.
Any addition of nutrient claims, grinding the meat and/or mixing the meat with other ingredients or adding the word “food”, “treat” or “snack”, and in some cases the word “supplement” to the labeling, would warrant licensing, product listing, and proper labeling, following IC 15-19-7.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) definition of ‘raw’ is food in its natural or crude state not having been subjected to heat in the course of preparation as food. Therefore, the exemption does not apply to dehydrated or freeze-dried meat.
Indiana follows AAFCO’s Statements for Uniform Interpretation and Policy for chews, bones and toys for Pets and Specialty Pets, provided the products are not adulterated. – the following products whether flavor-coated or unflavored, shall be exempt from registration and labeling unless the manufacturer, in its product labeling or advertising, makes any claim that the product is intended for use as an animal food, or that the product provides anything of nutritional value to the animal (i.e., “digestible” or “high protein”).
NOTE: Labeling information required by the Code of Federal Regulations are applicable to the labeling of all these products:
- All chews, bones, toys and exercisers made of animal skin, hide, wood, or manmade material
- Hooves
- Ears
- Animal Bones
- Ligaments
- Snouts
- Pizzles
It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to make a safe product for the intended species.
Please see the below links to helpful information:
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventative Controls for Food for Animals: 21 CFR Part 507
- Small Entity Compliance Guide for 21 CFR Part 507: Guidance for Industry #241
- Listing of Specific Substances Prohibited From Use in Animal Food or Feed: 21 CFR 589.2000
- Animal proteins prohibited in ruminant feed: 21 CFR 589.2001