More than 80 participants, including feed regulators, government officials, industry representatives and international experts from more than 25 countries, took part in the 19th International Feed Regulators Meeting (IFRM). Held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, on July 30-31, the international dialogue was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).
The two-day meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation, advancing science-based regulation and sharing practical experiences to support safe, sustainable and resilient feed and food systems. Discussions covered international feed standards, regulatory convergence, nutritional innovations, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), circular feed sources and emerging regulatory priorities from around the world.
With approximately one-third of participants representing government regulatory authorities, the meeting once again demonstrated the unique value of the IFRM as the leading global platform for public-private dialogue on feed safety, regulatory convergence and sustainable livestock production.
“For nearly two decades, the IFRM has served as the world’s premier forum where feed regulators and the global feed sector come together to exchange experiences, build trust and advance practical solutions to shared challenges,” said IFIF Chair Constance Cullman. “This year’s discussions on regulatory convergence, nutritional innovation and circular feed systems once again underscored that international collaboration is essential to advancing innovation, ensuring feed safety and supporting resilient, sustainable animal agriculture.”
Over the two days, participants received updates on Codex Alimentarius activities and the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF), while regulators from around the world exchanged experiences on evolving feed legislation and emerging regulatory priorities.
“The International Feed Regulators Meeting continues to demonstrate the value of constructive dialogue between governments, international organizations and the feed industry,” said Daniela Battaglia, livestock production officer, FAO. “Working together allows us to share knowledge, strengthen regulatory approaches and support safe, sustainable and resilient livestock production systems that contribute to food security and One Health.”
Interactive World Café sessions encouraged open dialogue on two key themes: the role of animal nutrition in promoting animal health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use, and the safe production and use of circular feed sources as part of resilient food systems. These discussions generated valuable recommendations to support future collaboration between FAO, IFIF, regulators and industry.
“The strength of the IFRM lies in bringing together regulators and the feed industry in an open and constructive environment where we can learn from one another and address shared challenges,” said Alexandra de Athayde, executive director of IFIF. “This year’s meeting demonstrated once again that international collaboration is essential to advancing science-based regulation, supporting innovation, facilitating trade and ultimately contributing to safe, sustainable and resilient feed and food systems. We thank all participants for making the 19th IFRM another outstanding success.”
Key topics discussed included:
- International feed regulatory developments and Codex Alimentarius activities
- Electronic labelling of feed ingredients and digital regulatory innovation
- Progress of the International Cooperation for Convergence of Technical Requirements for the Assessment of Feed Ingredients (ICCF)
- Animal nutrition as a tool to promote animal health and welfare and help reduce the need for antimicrobial use
- Safe production and use of circular feed sources as part of resilient food systems
- Feed regulatory developments from Latin America, Africa, Europe and North America
- Emerging priorities for future international cooperation
