Most manufacturer difficulties related to PFLM will centre on logistical and technical matters. Some pet food companies have hundreds, even thousands, of labels to review across product portfolios encompassing food, treats, and nutritional supplements. Updating their design will be costly and time consuming. Some new requirements, such as the inclusion of data about dietary fiber in the nutrition facts box, may require laboratory analysis too.
While the new data and design requirements have been commanding a lot of attention, the print, distribution, and rollout of new labels may present a bigger challenge. Identifying the best point in time to introduce new labels, and whether to take a phased approach across product ranges and / or regions of the US, requires careful consideration.
Labels for existing portfolios are just one part of the equation. What about new products scheduled to launch during the discretionary period? Is it best to align with PFLM guidelines, or could inconsistent labeling across products from the same manufacturer confuse consumers?
Another technical challenge relates to smaller, individually packaged items. PFLM involves the use of intuitive graphics for handling and storage instructions, based on extensive consumer research conducted by AAFCO. The icons are clear and intuitive, but it won’t be easy to incorporate them into the design of smaller labels.
