COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Inspection and Consumer Services Division
Rules for Pet Food Under the Colorado Feed Law, Sections 35-60-101 through 115, C.R.S.
8 CCR 1202-7
Part 3.	Label Format and Labeling
3.1.	Pet food and specialty pet food shall be labeled with the following information prescribed in this Part:
3.1.1.	Product name and brand name, if any, on the principal display panel as stipulated in Part 4;
3.1.2.	The species of pet or specialty pet for which the food is intended conspicuously designated on the principal display panel;
3.1.3.	Quantity statement, as defined in Section 35-60-102(18), C.R.S., of the Colorado Feed Law, on the principal display panel;
3.1.4.	Guaranteed analysis as stipulated in Part 5;
3.1.5.	Ingredient statement as stipulated in Part 6.1;
3.1.6.	A statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose if required under Part 8;
3.1.7.	Feeding directions if required under Part 9; 
3.1.8.	Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor as stipulated in Part 12; and
3.1.9.	The date of manufacture, processing, packaging, or repackaging or a code that permits the determination of the date. 
3.2.	When a pet food or specialty pet food enclosed in an outer container or wrapper is intended for retail sale, all required label information shall appear on the outer container or wrapper.
3.3.	A vignette, graphic, or pictorial representation on a pet food or specialty pet food label shall not misrepresent the contents of the package.
3.4.	The use of the word “proven” in connection with a label claim for a pet food or specialty pet food is not permitted unless the claim is substantiated by scientific or other empirical evidence.
3.5.	No statement shall appear upon the label or labeling of a pet food or specialty pet food which makes false or misleading comparisons between that product and any other product.
3.6.	A personal or commercial endorsement is permitted on a pet food or specialty pet food label provided the endorsement is not false or misleading.
3.7.	A statement on a pet food or specialty pet food label stating “Improved”, “New”, or similar designation shall be substantiated and limited to six- (6) months production.
3.8.	A statement on a pet food or specialty pet food label stating preference or comparative attribute claims shall be substantiated and limited to one (1) year production, after which the claim shall be removed or re-substantiated.
3.9.	Storage and handling information statements
3.9.1.	Products containing raw frozen meat and/or poultry for animal consumption must bear a statement, “Keep Frozen”, displayed in a prominent manner on the principal display panel.
3.9.2.	Products containing raw frozen meat and/or poultry for animal consumption must conspicuously bear the following statement under a heading “Handling guidelines for safe use” on the outside of the immediate container:
Some raw food products may contain bacteria that could cause illness if mishandled. Follow these instructions for safest use.
1.	Keep frozen until ready to use.
2.	Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.
3.	Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods. Wash working surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat or poultry with hot soapy water.
4.	Refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard. 
Part 18 .	Statements of Basis, Specific Statutory Authority and Purpose
18.4.	Adopted February 10, 2016- Effective March 30, 2016
The Commissioner's authority for the adoption of this permanent Rule amendment is set forth in Section 35-60-109(1), C.R.S.
The Purpose of this rulemaking is to:
1.	Add Part 3.1.9 to include the requirement of the date of manufacture, processing, packaging, or repackaging or a code that permits the determination of the date to be included in the label.
Factual and Policy Basis
The factual and policy issue pertaining to the adoption of this permanent Rule amendment is as follows:
1.	The date of manufacture, processing, packaging, or repackaging or a code that permits the determination of the date as required in Section 35-60-106(1)(g), C.R.S., is being added to the Rule so that the Rule will contain the complete requirements for labeling a pet food product.