In 2025, IFIF made major progress on its Electronic Labeling Guidelines Project, advancing efforts to modernize feed labeling practices through digital innovation. Following the project’s kick-off meeting on 6 February 2025, the Working Group (WG) completed Phase 1, resulting in a formal IFIF Statement on Electronic Labeling, which reflects consensus among IFIF Members and outlines the industry’s unified position on the opportunities and benefits of electronic labeling. This statement, now under review by the IFIF Board of Directors, provides a clear and science-based framework for enabling digital labeling solutions across the global feed industry.
To support this approach, IFIF has developed a concept code for labeling, based on the existing label format. Under this model, the human-readable portion of the label focuses on key operational information—such as identification, traceability, storage conditions, and safety provisions for employees handling feed ingredients. Complementing this, a machine-readable QR code provides access to additional, country-specific details regarding conditions of use, ensuring accurate, transparent, and efficient compliance assessment.
In addition, IFIF has drafted a guideline of good practice for the use of QR-enabled labeling to ensure that digital information remains valid, compliant with national regulations, and protected from fraudulent use. These tools lay the groundwork for practical, harmonized approaches that can be adapted across regions and regulatory systems. IFIF Members are now prepared to engage with national authorities to discuss this innovative and sustainable labeling concept and explore its implementation pathways.
The project was formally launched in November 2024, when the IFIF Board of Directors approved the initiative and established the dedicated Working Group with experts from across IFIF’s global membership. The WG’s mandate is to explore phased adoption of electronic labeling—starting with feed additives, before expanding to premixes and compound feeds—ensuring accurate, accessible information for users and regulators while facilitating international trade and innovation.
Building on these achievements, the IFIF Regulatory Committee has developed a proposal for Phase 2, which will focus on drafting detailed Electronic Labeling Guidelines and initiating engagement with regulators worldwide. This next phase aims to promote practical, science-based solutions that reduce administrative burden while improving transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
Through this forward-looking initiative, IFIF is positioning the feed industry at the forefront of regulatory modernization, supporting innovation, trade facilitation, and the digital transformation of the global food and feed chain.
