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A planned Van Halen reunion is now off after lead singer David Lee Roth refused to pay tribute to Eddie Van Halen on stage, according to the late guitarist’s brother, Alex.
The Van Halen drummer, 71, told Rolling Stone that the reunion made it as far as rehearsals before he broached the subject with Roth, 70, leading to an argument that derailed the potential tour.
Eddie died in 2020 due to complications from throat cancer. He is survived by son Wolfgang Van Halen, 33, whom he shared with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli.
“The thing that broke the camel’s back, and I can be honest about this now, was I said, ‘Dave, at some point, we have to have a very overt — not a bowing — but an acknowledgment of Ed in the gig,’” Alex said. “If you look at how Queen does it, they show old footage. And the moment I said we gotta acknowledge Ed, Dave f—in’ popped a fuse. … The vitriol that came out was unbelievable.”
“It’s just, my God. It’s like I didn’t know him anymore,” Alex continued. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for his work ethic and all that. But, Dave, you gotta work as a community, motherf—er. It’s not you alone anymore.”
At the time of the argument, Alex’s health had already jeopardized the tour. The Van Halen drummer began feeling numbness, especially in his feet, from peripheral neuropathy. He feels it could have been “an omen from above” not to push forward.
Roth declined to comment to Rolling Stone, but Alex insists the two are still in touch. In the past, Alex says, the pair has gotten along better than any other duo in the band. When Eddie died, Roth was Alex’s first call.
Alex added that he even consulted with Queen’s Brian May, picking his brain about how the band continues to play while honoring their late singer, Freddie Mercury.
Ultimately, Alex is at peace with the reunion tour falling through.
“It’s too bad on one hand, but it’s fine on the other,” he said. “Because now, in retrospect, playing the old songs is not really paying tribute to anybody. That’s just like a jukebox, in my opinion. … To find a replacement for Ed? It’s just not the same.”
Four years after his brother’s death, Alex says he can still feel Eddie’s spirit with him.
“Ed’s been around a couple times,” he said. “He was there this morning.”
More than anything, however, he misses his brother’s physical presence.
“I just miss him,” he added. “I miss the arguments. I live with it every day. And I can’t bring him back. I can’t make things right.”
THE HAGUE – Portrait of a Stranger, a creative multimedia collaboration between world-renowned photographer and storyteller Platon, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will debut today in partnership with the Movies That Matter International Human Rights Film Festival in The Hague, Netherlands.
The 18-minute film features interviews and portraits of over 20 refugees who fled conflict and persecution in various parts of the world, exploring the universal desire to be free, safe, respected and valued, and to belong.
Over the last year, UNHCR and Platon interviewed a diverse group of refugees ranging in age, nationality, ethnicity and personal circumstances. The result, Portrait of a Stranger, is a holistic, multimedia experience, marrying film and photography. It asks audiences to look beyond our differences and instead focus on our shared humanity.
“Living in exile may be their life circumstance, but it is not what defines them,” said Platon. “I hope the images and voices of the refugees in this film will help audiences focus on the shared humanity that unites us, rather than the barriers that divide us. Not only for these particular refugees but for all people forced to flee around the world.”
As the number of people forcibly displaced continues to rise – last year there were more than 100 million people uprooted globally – it is hoped that the collaboration will help to reframe the narratives and perceptions around people forced to flee.
“This film and these images are powerful reminders of who refugees really are. They are people like your neighbour, your friend, your colleague. Like you and me, each with our own personality; our hopes; our dreams,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said. “By amplifying the voices of refugees, the film offers an important reality check to counter the negative public discourse we often hear about people forced to flee.”
Notes to Editor:
For more information on this topic, please contact:
About Platon:
Photographer, communicator and storyteller Platon has gained worldwide fame with his portraits. Platon has worked with a range of international publications including Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and won a Peabody Award for his photo essays for The New Yorker. He has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine and is a World Press Photo laureate. He is currently on the board for Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum. In 2013, Platon founded The People’s Portfolio, a non-profit foundation dedicated to celebrating emerging leaders of human rights and civil rights around the world.
About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.
Netflix has released the first trailer for , a post-apocalyptic road from Marvel (and Community) mainstays The Russo Brothers. The adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel is set in a retro-futuristic version of the ’90s after a robot uprising. It tells the story of Michelle, an orphaned teenager (Millie Bobby Brown) who ventures across the west of the US to look for her younger brother with a smuggler (a mustachioed Chris Pratt) and a pair of robots.
The movie’s look draws heavily from , right down to the oversized VR helmets. The robots, in particular the one accompanying Michelle, have a cartoon-inspired aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in Fallout. A large teddy bear robot can be seen as part of a parade of machines, while our heroes appear to face off against a massive one that looks a little like Sonic the Hedgehog.
Meanwhile, the whole “slowed down iteration of a popular song in a movie trailer” thing might have jumped the shark with the version of Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova” that plays over the top of this. It fits the ’90s setting, of course, but I couldn’t help but laugh as soon as I recognized it.
The movie has a hell of a cast. Alongside Brown and Pratt, it stars Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. The Electric State hits Netflix on March 14.
SEO and Discoverability on TikTok Shop: Advanced Techniques
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Ever posted a product on TikTok Shop, hoping it would blow up, but instead, it got buried under a million other videos? Yeah, we’ve all been there, and this is the world of TikTok SEO. Wait, let’s make this more TikTok-y!
Lights, camera, optimization!
Picture this: You’re about to go live on TikTok Shop with your products glimmering under the spotlight, ready to steal the show. But hold up – where’s the audience? What’s your strategy for standing out in the endless scroll? Welcome to today’s episode where we unlock the real secret to making your products the star of the show. Think of this like the behind-the-scenes magic that gets you on the FYP faster than you can say “algorithm.” We’re talking TikTok SEO strategy—your VIP pass to discoverability.
From mastering the perfect hashtags to writing descriptions that slap, this is where the fun starts. Why let your products get lost in the shuffle when they could be front and center, grabbing all the attention? It’s time to hit play on the ultimate guide to making your TikTok Shop go viral. Ready to roll? Let’s do this!
Sure, you can dance, lip-sync, and jump on the latest trends—but did you know that SEO secretly powers TikTok? Yep, just like Google. It’s what decides if your video gets its moment on the For You Page (FYP) or fades into the endless scroll of content. Think of SEO as your hidden superpower on TikTok, the one that most people don’t even realize they’re missing. Here’s the deal: TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t just care about what’s trending but about how discoverable your content is within the platform’s unique ecosystem. That’s where SEO comes in.
Unlike traditional search engines where people type in what they want to find, TikTok’s searchability is driven by social trends and its powerful recommendation engine. The algorithm analyzes everything: the hashtags you use, the length of your videos, and even how people engage with your content. All of this determines if your video will land on the FYP. The more you optimize your content with relevant keywords, descriptions, and hashtags, the more TikTok pushes it to the right audience. TikTok SEO is different because it’s not just about what people are searching for—it’s about what the algorithm thinks people will like. And when you master that? That’s when your TikTok Shop becomes unmissable; that’s when you go viral on TikTok.
TikTok’s algorithm drives your content onto the coveted For You Page (FYP), where discoverability takes center stage. Here’s how it works:
The FYP is personalized for each user based on their interactions—likes, shares, comments, watch time, and more. It curates videos that align with individual preferences, making it the ultimate destination for visibility.
TikTok prioritizes content tagged with trending and relevant hashtags, helping the algorithm categorize and surface videos to users who have interacted with similar content.
Jumping on trending sounds, challenges, and topics can skyrocket your visibility, as TikTok boosts content that aligns with the platform’s current popular themes.
Optimizing your content with the right keywords, video descriptions, and hashtags helps the algorithm match your videos with interested audiences. Unlike Google SEO, TikTok’s SEO revolves around social engagement and trends, making it crucial to optimize for virality.
So, if you’ve been focusing only on following trends without paying attention to optimization, it’s time to switch things up. SEO is the secret weapon that’ll make sure your products get seen by the right people, at the right time, on TikTok’s ultra-competitive stage. Ready to use it? Let’s dive deeper!
Scene: Welcome to the TikTok writing workshop—where your video descriptions are the scripts and SEO is your editor. Your video description isn’t just filler text; it’s the dialogue between your TikTok Shop and the algorithm. Nail it, and the algorithm listens. Here’s how to script your descriptions to maximize discoverability, keyword flow, and storytelling—all in 100 characters or less!
Keep it short but packed with value. Use relevant keywords naturally—don’t just stuff them in. Make sure your description is engaging for users and searchable for the algorithm. Think of it as writing for both an audience and a machine.
Place your primary keyword at the start of the description for a higher ranking. Sprinkle in secondary keywords where they feel natural. For example, if your product is skincare, mention key features like “hydrating” or “eco-friendly.” Always consider search intent: What would your customers type in if they’re looking for your product?
Think of your description as a dialogue line in a script. It’s gotta have energy, hit the right keywords, and keep the story (aka your product) front and center. Optimizing your descriptions this way ensures your content speaks directly to the algorithm and your audience—bringing you closer to the FYP!
The #HashtagHustle challenge! The game is simple: pick the right mix of hashtags and you’ll get a VIP pass to TikTok’s FYP party. But here’s the trick—it’s not just about using any hashtags, it’s about finding the perfect balance of popular, niche, and long-tail hashtags that’ll get your TikTok Shop discovered by the right crowd.
Think of hashtags as your backstage pass to visibility. Use a blend of trending, high-volume hashtags for a broad reach, but don’t skip the niche and long-tail hashtags. These are your secret weapon for capturing targeted traffic. For example, instead of just using #skincare, mix in niche ones like #EcoFriendlyBeauty or #HydrationHacks to hone in on your exact audience.
Want to know what hashtags are trending? Use TikTok’s built-in tools to spot the hottest tags or go third-party with apps. These tools will help you discover a winning combo of trending and relevant hashtags tailored to your products and audience.
Keep it tight: aim for around 3 to 5 hashtags per video. Rotate them based on trends, seasons, or product updates to stay fresh.
Pro Tip: don’t reuse the same hashtags every time! Mix it up to appeal to different sub-communities within your niche.
Welcome to your profile’s glow-up session! Think of your TikTok profile as the storefront window to your shop—if it’s not glowing, nobody’s stopping by. So, let’s make sure it’s as inviting as possible! Your TikTok Shop profile needs to be optimized for both searchability and engagement. Here’s how to get that before-and-after transformation:
First, let’s talk bio: your bio needs to be keyword-rich and straight to the point. Think of it as a mini sales pitch that’s searchable. Include relevant keywords like what you sell to help people—and the algorithm—find you. Don’t forget to link directly to your TikTok Shop or other relevant content!
Your aesthetic and branding should be on point across your entire profile. This means sticking to a cohesive color palette, tone of voice, and vibe. Your audience should instantly recognize your brand whether they’re watching your videos or scrolling through your profile. Bonus points for using high-quality visuals and creative captions!
Time to give your profile the makeover it deserves and watch that traffic roll in!
Welcome to your TikTok SEO strategy toolbox! Think of these tools as your TikTok superpowers—they let you measure, optimize, and tweak your SEO strategy like a pro. As we pop open this virtual toolbox, get ready to level up your TikTok game!
Keep an eye on these key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor your success:
Don’t just set it and forget it! Use your performance data to tweak your SEO strategies continuously. If a certain hashtag isn’t performing, swap it out for a more relevant one. Testing and optimizing your content is essential to staying ahead of the game.
By treating these metrics like your very own TikTok leaderboard, you’ll be motivated to keep leveling up your content.
Influencers and UGC are like those secret cheat codes that take your TikTok Shop to the next level without even trying! Picture this: a fun TikTok-style dialogue unfolds between a brand, an influencer, and a happy customer creating UGC. Let’s dive in!
Collaborating with influencers means combining their massive following with your brand’s SEO strategy. This partnership enhances discoverability and connects you with new audiences. Meanwhile, UGC not only boosts engagement but also showcases authentic customer experiences that make your brand more relatable and trustworthy.
So, get ready to leverage these secret weapons! By integrating influencer partnerships and UGC into your SEO strategy, you’ll amplify your visibility and create a community of engaged fans—all while having a blast!
The grand finale! But here’s the scoop: SEO isn’t just a one-hit wonder; it’s an ongoing show! As TikTok evolves with fresh trends and shifting algorithms, your SEO strategy needs to evolve, too. We’ve covered everything from profile optimization and catchy video descriptions to harnessing the power of influencers and user-generated content. Remember, to keep your TikTok Shop visible, you must continuously test, tweak, and ride the latest trends!
And don’t forget the power of integration! As you plan to increase your discoverability on TikTok, you are also preparing for higher sales. Linking your TikTok Shop with other eCommerce platforms with the CedCommerce integration solution can elevate your business even further. Imagine seamlessly managing your inventory and orders across multiple channels, all while maximizing your reach and sales potential.
Now, it’s your turn to take center stage!
Published: Oct 8, 2024
To fix some weird quirks with CSS nesting, the CSS Working Group resolved to add the CSSNestedDeclarations interface to the CSS Nesting Specification. With this addition, declarations that come after style rules no longer shift up, among some other improvements.
These changes are available in Chrome from version 130 and are ready for testing in Firefox Nightly 132 and Safari Technology Preview 204.
CSSNestedDeclarationsOne of the gotchas with CSS nesting is that, originally, the following snippet does not work as you might initially expect:
.foo {
width: fit-content;
@media screen {
background-color: red;
}
background-color: green;
}
Looking at the code, you would assume that the <div class=foo> element has a green background-color because the background-color: green; declaration comes last. But this isn’t the case in Chrome before version 130. In those versions, which lack support for CSSNestedDeclarations, the background-color of the element is red.
After parsing the actual rule Chrome prior to 130 uses is as follows:
.foo {
width: fit-content;
background-color: green;
@media screen {
& {
background-color: red;
}
}
}
The CSS after parsing underwent two changes:
background-color: green; got shifted up to join the other two declarations.CSSMediaRule was rewritten to wrap its declarations in an extra CSSStyleRule using the & selector.Another typical change that you’d see here is the parser discarding properties it does not support.
You can inspect the “CSS after parsing” for yourself by reading back the cssText from the CSSStyleRule.
Try it out yourself in this interactive playground:
To understand why this internal rewrite happened, you need to understand how this CSSStyleRule gets represented in the CSS Object Model (CSSOM).
In Chrome before 130, the CSS snippet shared earlier serializes to the following:
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = ".foo"
.resolvedSelectorText = ".foo"
.specificity = "(0,1,0)"
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
- width: fit-content
- background-color: green
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSMediaRule
.type = MEDIA_RULE
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = "&"
.resolvedSelectorText = ":is(.foo)"
.specificity = "(0,1,0)"
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- background-color: red
Of all the properties that a CSSStyleRule has, the following two are relevant in this case:
style property which is a CSSStyleDeclaration instance representing the declarations.cssRules property which is a CSSRuleList that holds all nested CSSRule objects.Because all declarations from the CSS snippet end up in the style property of the CSStyleRule, there is a loss of information. When looking at the style property it’s not clear that the background-color: green was declared after the nested CSSMediaRule.
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = ".foo"
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
- width: fit-content
- background-color: green
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ …
This is problematic, because for a CSS engine to work properly it must be able to distinguish properties that appear at the start of a style rule’s contents from those that appear interspersed with other rules.
As for the declarations inside the CSSMediaRule suddenly getting wrapped in a CSSStyleRule: that is because the CSSMediaRule was not designed to contain declarations.
Because CSSMediaRule can contain nested rules–accessible through its cssRules property–the declarations automatically get wrapped in a CSSStyleRule.
↳ CSSMediaRule
.type = MEDIA_RULE
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = "&"
.resolvedSelectorText = ":is(.foo)"
.specificity = "(0,1,0)"
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- background-color: red
The CSS Working Group looked into several options to solve this problem.
One of the suggested solutions was to wrap all bare declarations in a nested CSSStyleRule with the nesting selector (&). This idea was discarded for various reasons, including the following unwanted side-effects of & desugaring to :is(…):
:is() takes over the specificity of its most specific argument.:is() does not accept pseudo-elements in its selector list argument.Take the following example:
#foo, .foo, .foo::before {
width: fit-content;
background-color: red;
@media screen {
background-color: green;
}
}
After parsing that snippet becomes this in Chrome before 130:
#foo,
.foo,
.foo::before {
width: fit-content;
background-color: red;
@media screen {
& {
background-color: green;
}
}
}
This is a problem because the nested CSSRule with the & selector:
:is(#foo, .foo), throwing away the .foo::before from the selector list along the way.(1,0,0) which makes it harder to overwrite later on.You can check this by inspecting what the rule serializes to:
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = "#foo, .foo, .foo::before"
.resolvedSelectorText = "#foo, .foo, .foo::before"
.specificity = (1,0,0),(0,1,0),(0,1,1)
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 2) =
- width: fit-content
- background-color: red
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSMediaRule
.type = MEDIA_RULE
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = "&"
.resolvedSelectorText = ":is(#foo, .foo, .foo::before)"
.specificity = (1,0,0)
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- background-color: green
Visually it also means that the background-color of .foo::before is red instead of green.
Another approach the CSS Working Group looked at was to have you wrap all nested declarations in a @nest rule. This was dismissed due to the regressed developer experience this would cause.
CSSNestedDeclarations interfaceThe solution the CSS Working Group settled on is the introduction of the nested declarations rule.
This nested declarations rule is implemented in Chrome starting with Chrome 130.
The introduction of the nested declarations rule changes the CSS parser to automatically wrap consecutive directly-nested declarations in a CSSNestedDeclarations instance. When serialized, this CSSNestedDeclarations instance ends up in the cssRules property of the CSSStyleRule.
Taking the following CSSStyleRule as an example again:
.foo {
width: fit-content;
@media screen {
background-color: red;
}
background-color: green;
}
When serialized in Chrome 130 or newer, it looks like this:
↳ CSSStyleRule
.type = STYLE_RULE
.selectorText = ".foo"
.resolvedSelectorText = ".foo"
.specificity = (0,1,0)
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- width: fit-content
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 2) =
↳ CSSMediaRule
.type = MEDIA_RULE
.cssRules (CSSRuleList, 1) =
↳ CSSNestedDeclarations
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- background-color: red
↳ CSSNestedDeclarations
.style (CSSStyleDeclaration, 1) =
- background-color: green
Because the CSSNestedDeclarations rule ends up in the CSSRuleList, the parser is able to retain the position of the background-color: green declaration: after the background-color: red declaration (which is part of the CSSMediaRule).
Furthermore, having a CSSNestedDeclarations instance doesn’t introduce any of the nasty side-effects the other, now discarded, potential solutions caused: The nested declarations rule matches the exact same elements and pseudo-elements as its parent style rule, with the same specificity behavior.
Proof of this is reading back the cssText of the CSSStyleRule. Thanks to the nested declarations rule it is the same as the input CSS:
.foo {
width: fit-content;
@media screen {
background-color: red;
}
background-color: green;
}
This means that CSS nesting got a whole lot better as of Chrome 130. But, it also means that you might have to go over some of your code if you were interleaving bare declarations with nested rules.
Take the following example that uses the wonderful @starting-style
/* This does not work in Chrome 130 */
#mypopover:popover-open {
@starting-style {
opacity: 0;
scale: 0.5;
}
opacity: 1;
scale: 1;
}
Before Chrome 130 those declarations would get hoisted. You’d end up with the opacity: 1; and scale: 1; declarations going into the CSSStyleRule.style, followed by a CSSStartingStyleRule (representing the @starting-style rule) in CSSStyleRule.cssRules.
From Chrome 130 onwards the declarations no longer get hoisted, and you end up with two nested CSSRule objects in CSSStyleRule.cssRules. In order: one CSSStartingStyleRule (representing the @starting-style rule) and one CSSNestedDeclarations that contains the opacity: 1; scale: 1; declarations.
Because of this changed behavior, the @starting-style declarations get overwritten by the ones contained in the CSSNestedDeclarations instance, thereby removing the entry animation.
To fix the code, make sure that the @starting-style block comes after the regular declarations. Like so:
/* This works in Chrome 130 */
#mypopover:popover-open {
opacity: 1;
scale: 1;
@starting-style {
opacity: 0;
scale: 0.5;
}
}
If you keep your nested declarations on top of the nested rules when using CSS nesting your code works mostly fine with all versions of all browsers that support CSS nesting.
Finally, if you want to feature detect the available of CSSNestedDeclarations, you can use the following JavaScript snippet:
if (!("CSSNestedDeclarations" in self && "style" in CSSNestedDeclarations.prototype)) {
// CSSNestedDeclarations is not available
}
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Collies are an intelligent, friendly dog breed that makes an excellent family pet. Classified as a larger dog, Collies can weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and live for 12 to 14 years. As a whole, Collie’s are a relatively healthy breed, but there are a few health conditions that every Collie pet parent should be aware of.
The Collie breed can be a carrier for Degenerative Myelopathy. DM is a genetic mobility condition that gradually impacts a dog’s leg strength and eventually causes paralysis. Most dogs will not show any signs of DM until they are adults, usually around 8 years old. Early signs of DM include weakening back legs, scraping back paws, and dogs may have difficulty supporting their own weight. Collies with DM will need to rely on a dog wheelchair at some point in their diagnosis as paralysis will occur.
If your Collie is showing any signs of DM, speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Regular, structured exercise, such as rehab therapy, can help to slow the progression of the disease and early introduction of a wheelchair can make it easier to keep your Collie active.
Collies are genetically at risk for Dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease that impacts a dog’s skin, muscles, and blood vessels. Usually impacting very young dogs, the telltale signs of the condition include visible skin lesions, which can be crusty, patchy hair loss, and even cause ulcers. Although not curable, the symptoms can usually be managed at home with medical supervision from a veterinarian. Treatments will vary depending on the severity, and in some cases, the lesions will clear on their own with time. If your Collie is showing any signs of this condition, seek veterinary help immediately.
This genetic eye condition mainly affects herding dog breeds, especially the Collie and Sheltie. The condition can result in abnormal eye development in the retina, optic nerve, or choroid of a Collie’s eye. In the 1960s, it was originally thought that over 90% of all Collies were affected by CEA. Nowadays, responsible breeders test puppies between six and eight weeks old to determine if they have this condition. According to the OFA, the number of Collies with CEA has dropped to 18.5% although over 40% of Collies tested are still carriers of the condition.
CEA can cause varying degrees of vision loss, and retinal detachments are common. However, most Collies with Collie Eye Anomaly only experience minor vision impairment and do not become completely blind.
PRA is another eye condition that can affect the Collie breed. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative disease that impacts the retina of the eye. Collies are susceptible to a unique form of the condition that only impacts this breed called red cone dysplasia 2. This unique form of PRA affects young Collies with night blindness as young as only a few weeks old and can lead to complete blindness before the Collie is a few years old.
For the most part, the Collie breed is very healthy and with proper care and treatment, a Collie can live a happy, active life. This fun-loving and active breed makes a great addition to any family.
Up until October 1, 2024 the FDA worked with AAFCO to provide scientific review of new proposed pet food/animal feed ingredients. Now, both plan on approving new ingredients separately – each with their own separate system. Giving the appearance these two organizations are working against each other/competing with each other.
FDA’s system is termed the Animal Food Ingredient Consultation (AFIC) process. FDA’s process will be similar to the previous AAFCO ingredient approval process, excluding any involvement with AAFCO. Ingredient manufacturers will submit a proposed ingredient name, definition, and submit scientific evidence the ingredient is safe. With livestock feed ingredients, the manufacturer will also be required to submit evidence the ingredient would be safe for human food consumption. Based on FDA’s review, the ingredient will be approved or rejected. Pending and approved ingredients will be published on the FDA website, and will be open for public review and comment.
AAFCO’s proposed system for pet food/animal feed ingredient approval will be similar to their previous process, excluding any involvement with FDA. Scientific review of ingredients will be performed by Kansas State University, specifically KSU will manage the scientific review process soliciting various experts (at their discretion) to perform the proposed ingredient review. Kansas State “will manage the process of soliciting subject matter experts”. The same paperwork is required of the ingredient manufacturer that FDA requires; ingredient name, proposed definition, and scientific evidence to safety. BUT…AAFCO will charge a $50,000.00 fee for ingredient approvals (whether they are approved or rejected).
So many concerns without answers.
Neither FDA or AAFCO is explaining if these two separate ingredient approval processes will work together. Will the States accept FDA’s ingredients into state law or will some states reject FDA’s ingredients and only allow AAFCO ingredients (a show of allegiance to their AAFCO friends)? Will FDA accept AAFCO’s approved ingredients? If FDA does not accept AAFCO approved ingredients, the agency is appearing to say they will take enforcement action against pet foods/animal feeds using the AAFCO ingredients (non-FDA approved ingredients). “If FDA identifies a concern with respect to an unapproved animal food additive, we intend to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the animal food supply, including notifying the public or pursuing enforcement action as warranted.”
Will the ingredient approval process supervised by Kansas State be subject to a concerning industry influence? Kansas State University has a long history of working with the pet food industry. In 2018 the Kansas State Veterinary School accepted “the largest corporate gift in the college’s history” from Hill’s Pet Food. Would donations to the University influence an ingredient approval?
Could an ingredient manufacturer be rejected through the FDA process, then turn around and submit the same ingredient through the AAFCO process and gain approval?
And then there is the issue of financial interest by those that will be approving ingredients (through AAFCO). The AAFCO proposal states they will approve approximately 15 ingredients a year, which results in $750,000.00 in revenue. AAFCO does not explain how those funds will be disbursed; how much of the money goes to Kansas State, how much money is paid to each of the scientific review personnel, and how much money is paid to AAFCO. Financial incentives certainly cause concern that ingredients will be approved without proper due diligence.
It is hard to imagine that pet food/animal feed regulations could get worse – but until both parties (FDA and AAFCO) start giving us more information, we are left to believe that things could get worse. The regulatory authorities involved with AAFCO and the regulatory authorities of FDA working against each other will do nothing but cause future conflicts that us and our pets could pay the price for.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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