Pet Food Label Claims That Support Pets and Their Humans
by Jeffery Ambrose, PhD
The global pet food industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing demand for specialized formulas, strict export regulations, and heightened consumer scrutiny around safety and transparency. Whether you’re exporting to the EU or China, launching hypoallergenic formulas, or verifying ingredient integrity, accurate label claims are essential for compliance, consumer trust, and brand reputation.
Key Areas for Label Accuracy in Pet Food
1. GMO Screening for EU Compliance
Pet food exports to the European Union require declaration of GMO derived ingredients and their traceability. Production of pet food that does not contain any declared GMO ingredients is customarily supported through respective testing, especially where ingredients include corn or soy. Molecular testing, such as real-time PCR, is used to detect genetically modified organisms in raw materials and finished goods, helping your brand stay compliant with EU labeling and import regulations.
2. Ingredient Authentication Chinese Export
China enforces strict regulatory requirements for imported pet foods, particularly concerning contaminant screening and ingredient verification. Compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) is essential for market access.
A key regulatory framework is the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Non-Edible Animal Products, revised in 2025, which outlines inspection protocols for animal-derived ingredients. Under this regulation, China maintains a zero-tolerance policy for undeclared ruminant material in pet food products, due to concerns over animal disease transmission and ingredient authenticity.
Advanced meat speciation testing, including both pan-ruminant assays and species-specific detection, help verify that labels correctly reflect the species present in the product to meet GACC expectations. Ask us about documentation support aligned with Chinese import protocols to help ensure smoother customs clearance and regulatory compliance.
3. Human Food Allergen Detection in Pet Food
When companion animals are an integral part of the household, especially where children are present, human food allergens in pet food may be a concern. While some allergens may not be harmful to pets, they can pose risks for pet owners and labeling is paramount to limit liability in regard to potential allergen contact for those with food allergen sensitivities.
Testing panels for Big 9 (or Major) allergens help confirm that products labeled as “gluten-free,” “soy-free,” or “dairy-free” meet those claims and supports transparency on shared lines.
4. Custom Support for Hypoallergenic & Specialized Formulas
Hypoallergenic pet food is designed to support pets with dietary sensitivities and allergies. These formulations often rely on limited ingredients, novel proteins, or hydrolyzed proteins to minimize allergic reactions, where claims must be supported by testing to ensure that ingredients match what is stated on the label.
Measures to validate ingredient claims include:
- Animal and plant species-specific DNA and protein testing
- Screening for cross-contact contaminants
- Wheat and gluten detection
Why Accurate Labeling Matters
Accurate labeling is essential for both consumer safety and regulatory compliance. It helps manufacturers:
- Build trust with pet owners by providing transparency
- Support claims for hypoallergenic, allergen-free, or premium products
- Avoid regulatory penalties, recalls, or market access issues
- Protect brand reputation in a competitive industry
By focusing on verification and testing strategies, pet food manufacturers can confidently produce products that align with label claims and meet the expectations of both consumers and regulators.
Questions on how this information is applicable to your food process?
