"Human Grade" is a strong selling point – but regulatory challenge, especially in the EU.
In the US, the claim is permitted under clear AAFCO/FDA guidelines. In the EU, pet food is subject to feed law (not food law) and predominantly uses raw materials according to Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 (categories of animal by-products), which is why "fit for human consumption" or "Human Grade" is generally not permitted as a claim. Manufacturers can still use quality-related positioning (e.g., "food standard processes," transparency, traceability) – clearly documented and correctly labeled.
What does "Human Grade" mean and where does the trend come from?
Buyer expectations: The focus on premium food, the "humanization" of pets, and clean-label expectations are driving demand for food quality.
In the USA, "Human Grade" is possible as a voluntary claim – but only if all ingredients and the final product are consistently manufactured, stored, transported, and processed in human food-registered facilities according to food standards (including 21 CFR 117/507). Individual "human-grade" ingredients are not enough; the entire process must be right.
Implication: "Human Grade" is potentially less a taste/sensory claim and more a process and compliance claim.
What is the difference between food grade and feed grade?
Especially when it comes to animal ingredients, "food grade" could indeed make a difference for the consumer.
Although the source is the same in both cases, the whole animal is often no longer processed, especially in the Western world.
According to Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 on animal by-products, so-called Category 3 materials may still be used in animal feed. These are "no longer intended for human consumption," even though the raw materials come from animals that were slaughtered and deemed fit for human consumption.
However, these are parts that humans do not eat for cultural/market reasons (e.g., lungs, rumen, tendons, ventral meat, head, feet).
Or they are raw materials that would be edible but do not enter the food chain for economic or logistical reasons (e.g., surpluses, no commercial demand).
They can also be whole animals or parts that have been voluntarily declared "not intended" for human consumption (e.g., due to market or process decisions).
To simplify the processing of these parts, animal/fish meal or even hydrolyzed proteins are often used today, especially in dry food.
Is the designation "Human Grade" permissible?
Pet food is animal feed, not food. Among other things, the following applies: Regulation (EC) 1069/2009 (animal by-products) and relevant hygiene/feed regulations.
Raw materials are typically Category 3 materials (not intended for human consumption, but safe and high-quality when properly processed). A "Human Grade" claim would misjudge the intended market and is therefore generally not permitted.
FEDIAF (the industry association) provides guidelines on safety, nutrient profiles, and labeling. Claims must be truthful, verifiable, and not misleading; the "Human Grade" claim is problematic in this context.
https://europeanpetfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FEDIAF-Nutritional-Guidelines_2024.pdf?
Especially in the area of raw food, it has been mandatory for several years that the packaging states that the raw materials are not suitable for human consumption.
What is the alternative?
A positioning based on high-quality recipes, transparency, safety, and sustainability; FEDIAF-compliant complete nutritional values + clear raw material communication.
Transparent communication (e.g., origin, processing, audit standards) delivers premium value without making legally sensitive claims.
Some manufacturers sidestep the issue and advertise their products with claims such as "Processed to food-grade quality," "Processed according to food standards," or "Using raw materials tested to food standards."
Ideally, this is verifiable and not misleading.
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Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.