Harder Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cut Costly Red Tape in Pet Food Industry
Current pet food regulations are based on century-old system for animal feed
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) and Rep. Steve Womack (AR-03) introduced bipartisan legislation to cut costly red tape and streamline standards in the pet food industry. The Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act creates a single, streamlined federal standard for pet food nutrition and labeling, replacing the confusing patchwork of state-by-state regulations.
Pet food manufacturers currently operate under a two-tier, century-old regulatory system that was developed for animal feed, which is costly, confusing, and curbs product innovation. The PURR Act cuts through the state-by-state regulatory patchwork by establishing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the primary authority in the regulation of pet food ingredients and labeling. This ensures uniform standards for pet food, allowing manufacturers to invest in research and high-quality nutrition while delivering peace of mind for pet owners.
“As someone who’s fostered multiple dogs with my wife Pam, I know how important it is to trust the food we’re putting in their bowls,” said Rep. Harder. “This bill ensures that no matter where you’re buying pet food, it meets the same high standard for nutrition and quality. It’s good for our pets and good for businesses trying to navigate outdated red tape.”
“With nearly 66% of U.S. households owning a pet, it’s important that the owners receive the best quality food to keep their pet healthy,” said Rep. Womack. “Unfortunately, pet food manufacturers are forced to deal with a nearly 100-year-old, costly and confusing dual regulatory system, making it difficult for them to invest in new and improved products. My legislation would cut red tape and streamline the system by granting sole authority to the FDA to regulate the labeling and marketing of pet food. By removing the current state-by-state regulatory patchwork and modernizing the system, pet food makers can provide nutritious food for our beloved pets.”
###