History

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) initially started as the Pet Food Manufacturers Association of Australia in the late 1960s. At that stage manufacturers had to contend with numerous regulations between various Government Departments within Australia. Products had to be registered in each State with differing labeling laws. The Association was formed to develop a single voice for the industry with a common goal of standardising protocols and procedures and to ensure members met the respective Government regulations covering pet food.

Numerous position statements were developed that all Industry agreed with. For example the banning of whale meat as a pet food ingredient was one such commitment.

A Code of Practice evolved through discussion with the membership in the 1970s and was first published in the early 1980s. This covered both the Statement of Purpose for the Association and specific requirements for labeling, including product namers, raw materials and State Regulations amongst other issues.

In the late 1980s, importers and associate members were also included to cover the industry more fully. Subsequently, the Association modified its name to reflect the change of the Industry body.

The PFIAA membership meets regularly as an Industry and continues to work closely with Government Departments on issues including plant regulation, industry liaison, quarantine and import/export issues.