AAFCO, KSU Name Program Manager for New Ingredient Review Process

OLATHE, KAN. — The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and Kansas State University Olathe (K-State Olathe) recently named Garret Ashabranner, Ph.D., as program manager for the new Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) process. In the new role, Ashabranner will manage the scientific review process for animal feed and pet food ingredient definition submissions.

The SRIS program replaces AAFCO’s former Ingredient Definition Request process that was formed in partnership with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This process expired on Oct. 1, 2024, after the FDA decided not to renew its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AAFCO. Following this, AAFCO and K-State Olathe partnered up to create a new scientific review program, called the SRIS.

Ashabranner will join K-State Olathe to serve as the primary liaison between the university and AAFCO. In the role, he will manage a collective of subject matter experts and facilitate the scientific evaluations of newly submitted ingredients.

“This position is critical for ensuring the integrity of the ingredient definition process and advancing regulatory science through our partnership with AAFCO,” said Haley Larson, director and scientific lead of the SRIS program and assistant professor of animal nutrition and health at K-State Olathe. “Garret brings deep experience in both animal nutrition and regulatory affairs, making him an exceptional fit for this role.”

Prior to joining K-State Olathe, Ashabranner was an animal scientist for the FDA, during which he reviewed animal feed ingredients and advised on monogastric nutrition and environmental claims. Currently, he serves as an adjunct instructor of agriculture sciences at Athens Technical College in Athens, Ga.

Ashabranner has a doctorate in poultry science from the University of Georgia, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in agriculture from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has more than eight years of experience in poultry production, regulatory science and agricultural education.

“We are pleased to welcome Garret into this important position,” said Austin Therrell, executive director at AAFCO. “His regulatory experience and broad expertise align perfectly with our mission and the scientific standards we uphold to safeguard animal and human health.”