Pet Food Safety Standards Update: What Brands Must Do

# Pet Food Safety Standards Update

China's pet food regulatory landscape is changing fast. Brands have several deadlines to prepare for.

Current policy updates

Feed ingredient catalog revision

Announcement 1028 added and adjusted 260+ ingredients. Some ingredients were removed. Existing formulas need review.

Label transition period

Announcement 1067:

• Transition ends **May 31, 2027**
• After June 1, 2027, labels must match the new catalog
• Old labels cannot be used on new production

Group standards

Seven new group standards including feline nutrition guidelines.

What brands should do now

Within 1 month

1. Review existing formulas for removed ingredients

2. Audit old label inventory

3. Confirm co-packer compliance

Before May 2027

1. Redesign labels to match new catalog

2. Recheck nutrition against group standards

3. Update lab test reports

4. Allow 2-3 months for label design and printing

Choosing a compliant co-packer

1. Dedicated compliance staff

2. Label review process

3. Approved ingredient database

4. No regulatory penalties

5. Complete batch test reports

Common pitfalls

1. Waiting too long — label printing takes months

2. Letting the co-packer own label compliance — the brand is responsible

3. Not keeping test records

4. Adding ingredients without catalog verification

If you are unsure whether your formulas and labels comply, Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM includes compliance review at the sampling stage, checking ingredient catalogs and label copy before production.

FAQ

When does the label transition end?

May 31, 2027.

Can old labels still be sold?

Products made during transition can be sold through inventory; new production must use new labels.

Who is responsible for labels?

The brand owner is the first responsible party.