반려동물 사료 표시제도의 법률적 쟁점과 과제

Abstract

Driven by the increasing number of pets and households that have pets, the pet food market is undergoing substantial growth. With the surge in pet guardianship, pet food consumption has increased, which has been accompanied by a growing interest in various functional pet food types. Despite the variety available, a notable issue exists concerning the primary labeling of pet food. This study investigates the current status and major issues within the pet food labeling system and proposes improvements.
 The labeling system for pet food is governed by the Control of Livestock and Fish Feed Act in conjunction with livestock feed regulations. This dual oversight presents challenges in providing precise information to pet food consumers through the labeling system. Currently, there are no established standards for differentiating pet food product names, specifying recommended feeding amounts, highlighting nutritional functions, or verifying pet food labeling. Additionally, a robust review system and review board dedicated to overseeing pet food labeling are absent.
 To foster the growth of the pet food industry, a revision of the current pet food labeling system is imperative. The proposed revision involves the following: First, reorganizing the classification system. The existing feed classification system of formulated feed and straight feed (mixed straight feed) should transition to a labeling classification system based on the intended purpose of the feed. Second, there is a need to regulate the contents of pet food, including product names and nutritional ingredients. Mandatory display of product names and the regulation of their use are essential components of this revision. Third, empirical standards and the establishment of a review advisory board to authenticate pet food labeling are needed. Regulations on the contents and procedures for labeling and advertising on efficacy and effectiveness should be established, grounded in a minimum scientific evidence threshold. Furthermore, there have been calls for the formation of an advisory or review committee composed of experts, which underscores the need for the establishment of a system to facilitate this.