Descriptive Terms

PURPOSE: This rule defines calorie and fat terms used in the labeling of pet food in order to be consistent with the labeling laws of other states. (1) Calorie Terms. (A) “Light.” 1. Dog food products bearing the terms “light,” “lite,” “low calorie,” or words of similar designation shall contain and state on the label no more than 3100 kcal ME/kg for products containing less than twenty percent (20%) moisture, no more than 2500 kcal ME/kg for products containing twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%) moisture, and no more than 900 kcal ME/kg for products containing sixty-five percent (65%) or more moisture. The label shall bear a calorie content statement in accordance with the format provided in 2 CSR 70-31.080. Feeding directions shall reflect a reduction in calorie intake consistent with the intended use. 2. Cat food products bearing the terms “light,”“lite,” “low calorie,” or words of similar designation shall contain and state on the label no more than 3250 kcal ME/kg for products containing less than twenty percent (20%) moisture, no more than 2650 kcal ME/kg for products containing twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%) moisture, and no more than 950 kcal ME/kg for products containing sixty-five percent (65%) or more moisture. The label shall bear a calorie content statement in accordance with the format provided in 2 CSR 70-31.080. Feeding directions shall reflect a reduction in calorie intake consistent with the intended use. (B) “Less” or “Reduced Calories.” 1. For dog or cat food product labels bearing a claim of “less calories,” “reduced calories,” or words of similar designation, the percentage of reduction and the product of comparison shall be explicitly stated and juxtaposed with the claim in the same size, style, and color print. The product label shall also bear a calorie content statement in accordance with the format provided in 2 CSR 7031.080. Comparisons between products in different categories of moisture content less than twenty percent (20%), twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%), sixty-five percent (65%) or more are misleading. Feeding directions shall reflect a reduction in calories compared to feeding directions for the product of comparison. (2) Fat Terms. (A) “Lean.” 1. Dog food product labels bearing the terms “lean,” “low fat,” or words of similar designation shall contain and guarantee on the label no more than nine percent (9%) crude fat for products containing less than twenty percent (20%) moisture, no more than seven percent (7%) crude fat for products containing twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%) moisture, and no more than four percent (4%) crude fat for products containing sixty-five percent (65%) or more moisture. The product label shall bear a maximum crude fat guarantee immediately following the minimum crude fat guarantee in addition to the mandatory guaranteed analysis information as specified in 2 CSR 70-31.020(3). 2. Cat food products bearing the terms “lean,” “low fat,” or words of similar designation shall contain and guarantee on the label no more than ten percent (10%) crude fat for products containing less than twenty percent (20%) moisture, no more than eight percent (8%) crude fat for products containing twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%) moisture, and no more than five percent (5%) crude fat for products containing sixty-five percent (65%) or more moisture. The product label shall bear a maximum crude fat guarantee immediately following the minimum crude fat guarantee in addition to the mandatory guaranteed analysis information as specified in 2 CSR 70-31.020(3). (B) “Less” or “Reduced Fat.” 1. For dog or cat food labels bearing a claim of “less fat,” “reduced fat,” or words of similar designation, the percentage of reduction and the product of comparison shall be explicitly stated and juxtaposed with the claim in the same size, style, and color print. The product label shall also bear a maximum crude fat guarantee immediately following the minimum crude fat guarantee in addition to the mandatory guaranteed analysis information as specified in 2 CSR 70-31.080. Comparisons between products in different categories of moisture content less than twenty percent (20%), twenty percent (20%) or more but less than sixty-five percent (65%), sixty-five percent (65%) or more are misleading. AUTHORITY: section 266.195, RSMo Supp. 1997.* Original rule filed Nov. 17, 1997, effective June 30, 1998. *Original authority 1972, amended 1993, 1995, 1997.