For Startups

If you are interested in manufacturing and distributing animal food products in NC, there is no inspection required by our program prior to beginning operations. This includes anyone manufacturing/distributing from a home, commercial kitchen, or other type of facility.

The term "commercial feed" means all materials, except whole unmixed seed such as corn, including physically altered entire unmixed seeds when not adulterated within the meaning of G.S. 106-284.38(1), which are distributed for use as feed or for mixing in feed. The list below is intended to be a guide for the types of products requiring registration versus products that are exempted from registration. This is not an all-inclusive list and should only be used as guidance. If you have questions about your specific products, please contact us at ncfeed.registration@ncagr.gov or 984-236-4820.

The following steps will help you determine what you should do to begin an animal food business and will also guide you through the application process.

Step 1. Decide on your business plan and register your business name.

• The NCDA&CS Marketing Division may also be able to provide additional help developing a business plan. https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing
• The type of business structure determines where a business name (assumed name) should be registered. A Certificate of Assumed Name for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be filed with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties where businesses plan to operate. Corporations or Limited Liability Companies must register their business names with the N.C. Secretary of State.

Step 2. Your facility must meet state and applicable federal animal food safety requirements.

• There is no inspection required prior to beginning operation; however, your facility is subject to inspection by the NC Animal Feed Program. The following link will take you to the federal regulation requirements (21 CFR part 507) which outline the Current Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food. At minimum, you will need to be compliant with the NC Commercial Feed Law and Subpart B of these regulations as an animal food manufacturer in NC (eCFR Part 507 - cGMP, Hazard Analysis, and Risk Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food).
• You may also refer to Guidance for Industry (GFI) #235 for additional information on Current Good Manufacturing Practice Requirements for Food for Animals.
• You may also refer to What You Need To Know About Registration of Food Facilities for federal registration requirements, if applicable.

Step 3. Ensure all of your ingredients are approved for use in animal food.

• Any ingredient for which the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established a name, and definition shall be identified by the name so established. Any ingredient for which no name and definition has been so established shall be identified by the common or usual name of the ingredient. Brand or trade names shall not be used in the ingredient statement. You may reference Chapter Six of the AAFCO Official Publication for a complete chapter on approved animal food ingredients, to include Food Additives Permitted in Animal Food and Substances Generally Recognized as Safe. The AAFCO Common Food Index (CFI) can be found here.

Step 4. Ensure your animal food product labels have all the required components.

• Product labels are required to accompany each product. The firm should reference the product labeling information below for additional information and guidance. Copies of product labels must be supplied when submitting product registration.
• NC Commercial Feed Law - § 106‑284.35.  Labeling.
• NC Administrative Code – Subchapter 09D
• NC Administrative Code – Subchapter 09E
• Pet Food Label Example
• Pet Treat Label Example

Step 5. Follow the Instructions for New Firm New Product Registration.

• This will include completing several forms such as, the Firm Contact Information Form, New Brand Template Form, and New NC Manufacturing/Distribution Facility Registration Form. These forms can be found on our website under Forms.

Step 6. Submit your completed paperwork and product labels to our office.