Minnesota Administrative Rules

1510.2530 EXPRESSION OF GUARANTEES.

Subpart 1.

Order and format.

The guaranteed analysis statements must comply with items A to D:

A.

A pet food or specialty pet food label must list the following guarantees in the following order:

(1)

minimum percentage of crude protein;

(2)

minimum percentage of crude fat;

(3)

maximum percentage of crude fat, if required by part 1510.2590;

(4)

maximum percentage of crude fiber;

(5)

maximum percentage of moisture; and

(6)

other guarantees.

B.

If ash is listed in the guaranteed analysis on a pet food or specialty pet food label, it must be guaranteed as a maximum percentage and must immediately follow the moisture guarantee.

C.

A dog or cat food label must list other required or voluntary guarantees in the same order and units of the nutrients in the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. Guarantees for substances not listed in the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles, or not otherwise provided for in items A to D, must immediately follow the listing of the recognized nutrients and be accompanied by an asterisk referring to the disclaimer "not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles." The disclaimer must appear immediately after the last guarantee under this item in the same size type as the guarantee.

D.

A specialty pet food label must list other required or voluntary guarantees as required by part 1510.1943.

Subp. 2.

Sliding scale method.

The sliding scale method of expressing a guaranteed analysis on a pet food or specialty pet food label (for example, "Minimum crude protein 15-18 percent") is prohibited.

Subp. 3.

Mineral supplement.

The label of a pet food or a specialty pet food that is formulated as and represented to be a mineral supplement must include:

A.

minimum guarantees for all minerals from sources declared in the ingredient statement and established by an AAFCO-recognized nutrient profile, expressed as the element in units specified in the nutrient profile;

B.

minimum guarantees for all minerals from sources declared in the ingredient statement expressed as the element in units specified in part 1510.2070, subpart 2, item B, if no species-specific nutrient profile has been recognized by AAFCO;

C.

mineral guarantees required by this subpart may be expressed in milligrams (mg) per unit, such as tablets, capsules, granules, or liquids, consistent with those employed in the quantity statement and directions for use; and

D.

a weight equivalent such as 1 fluid ounce = 28 grams, for liquid products.

Subp. 4.

Vitamin supplement.

The label of a pet food or a specialty pet food that is formulated as and represented to be a vitamin supplement must include:

A.

minimum guarantees for all vitamins from sources declared in the ingredient statement and established by an AAFCO-recognized nutrient profile, expressed in units specified in the nutrient profile;

B.

minimum guarantees for all vitamins from sources declared in the ingredient statement expressed in units specified in part 1510.2070, subpart 3, if no species-specific nutrient profile has been recognized by AAFCO;

C.

vitamin guarantees required by this subpart may be expressed in approved units, such as IU, mg, or g, per unit, such as tablets, capsules, granules, or liquids, consistent with those employed in the quantity statement and directions for use; and

D.

a weight equivalent (1 fluid ounce = 28 grams) for liquid products.

Subp. 5.

Nutrient comparison.

If the label of a pet food or specialty pet food includes a comparison of the nutrient content of the food with levels established by an AAFCO-recognized nutrient profile, such as a table of comparison, a percentage, or any other designation referring to an individual nutrient or all of the nutrient levels, items A to D apply.

A.

The product must meet the AAFCO-recognized nutrient profile.

B.

The statement of comparison must be preceded by a statement that the product meets the AAFCO-recognized profile. That statement is not required, however, if the nutritional adequacy statement required by part 1510.2560 or 1510.2570 appears elsewhere on the product label.

C.

The statement of comparison of the nutrient content must constitute a guarantee, but need not be repeated in the guaranteed analysis.

D.

The statement of comparison may appear on the label separate and apart from the guaranteed analysis.

Subp. 6.

Maximum moisture.

The maximum moisture declared on a pet food or specialty pet food label must not exceed 78 percent or the natural moisture content of the ingredients, whichever is higher, except when the pet food or specialty pet food is not intended to be and is not labeled as complete and balanced for any or all life stages.

Subp. 7.

Crude protein, crude fat, or crude fiber.

Guarantees for crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber are not required if the pet food or specialty pet food is intended for purposes other than to furnish the substances or the substances are of minor significance relative to the primary purpose of the product, such as a mineral or vitamin supplement.

Subp. 8.

Microorganisms and enzymes.

Guarantees for microorganisms and enzymes shall be stated in the format specified in part 1510.2070.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 25.40

History:

29 SR 655

Published Electronically:

July 24, 2008