Current status: Open
Opened on June 4, 2026, and will close to the new input on July 6, 2026
About the consultation
We are seeking comments on the proposed new single ingredient feed (SIF) description for puffed cereal grains.
Background
The Feeds Regulations, 2024 require a proponent to submit a pre-market application for new feed ingredients or SIFs that have been modified such that they differ from an approved SIF or SIFs that are for a new purpose. We evaluate the information in the application to establish that the SIF is safe, effective and labelled correctly.
Approved SIFs are listed and described in the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT), which is incorporated by reference (IBR) into the Feeds Regulations, 2024. Our Incorporation by Reference Policy requires that a consultation be conducted before changes to IBR documents are made. Refer to Documents incorporated by reference under the Feeds Regulations, 2024 for additional information.
About the evaluation
Our Animal Feed Program (AFP) has completed detailed evaluations of applications for the approval of a new SIF: puffed cereal grains.
The evaluation considered information related to:
- the safety of feeding this SIF to livestock with respect to animal health
- the safety of foods derived from livestock that eat this SIF
- the safety of workers and bystanders exposed to this SIF
- environmental safety
- the fit-for-purpose and efficacy of this SIF for the intended livestock species
The results of our evaluation of available scientific data support the safety and efficacy of puffed cereal grains for its intended purpose as a source of energy for all livestock species.
Therefore, we recommend that puffed cereal grains be approved as a new SIF and added to the CFIT.
Proposed SIF description
We intend to add puffed cereal grains under subclass 2.1 (Cereal grains) of class 2 (Energy feeds) in part 1 of the CFIT with the following description:
Puffed cereal grains (or puffed grains)
is the product obtained from whole cereal grains, used individually or in mixtures, that have been subjected to steam and high pressure, followed by rapid decompression. The moisture within the grain vaporizes, causing expansion of the endosperm and formation of a puffed structure. It shall be reasonably free of other crop plants, weeds, and mould. It shall contain not more than 12% moisture.
If the product bears a name descriptive of its kind or origin (for example, barley, corn, wheat), it shall correspond thereto and it may be indicated on the label.
It shall be labelled with guarantees for minimum percent total starch, minimum percent crude protein, maximum percent crude fat, maximum percent crude fibre, maximum percent ash, and maximum percent moisture.
An ingredient number will be assigned at the time this new SIF description is added to the CFIT.
Additional information
Puffed cereal grains will be placed in part 1 of the CFIT. These are cereal grains that have undergone a simple physical puffing process. Puffing improves digestibility and does not introduce safety concerns.
Puffed cereal grains are allowed for all livestock species, and no maximum use rate restrictions are included in the description.
Proximate guarantees and a total starch guarantee are required for puffed cereal grains because the puffing process alters the nutrient profile compared to whole grains. Puffing gelatinizes and partially hydrolyzes starch, which reduces total starch, increases simple sugars, and raises starch digestibility, making whole grain compositional reference tables unsuitable for the puffed form. Although these changes do not introduce safety concerns, they create a distinct nutritional profile that warrants specific label guarantees for accurate characterization of this SIF.
This SIF is intended to provide a source of energy for livestock species.
Who is the focus of this consultation
Animal feed stakeholders, including:
- suppliers of feed ingredients
- commercial feed manufacturers
- feed importers, distributors and retailers
- industry associations
- other government departments
- international trading partners
- veterinarians
All comments from industry, governments, the public or other organizations or individuals are welcome.
How to participate
We are seeking feedback on the proposed description for puffed cereal grains.
Stakeholders are encouraged to share comments if there are:
- concerns about the accuracy of the SIF description
- any scientific data that should be considered before the SIF is approved
Our evaluators will review scientific questions or information for consideration in the evaluation.
They will also evaluate non-scientific input and explore appropriate ways of addressing it.
Comments can be sent by email to the AFP at cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca. Please use "puffed cereal grains" in the subject line of the email. We are asking for comments and feedback by July 6, 2026, 30 days from the date of this posting.
Next steps
We will review all the comments received. If no significant scientifically valid concerns are raised, we will finalize the approval of puffed cereal grains.
If significant concerns are raised, we will evaluate the additional information.
This SIF will be added to the CFIT at the next update.
Related information
Contact us
Animal Feed Program (AFP)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Email: cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca