AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. It is an organization of municipal, state, and federal entities with voluntary enrollment. By virtue of local, state, or federal regulations, its members have the power to control the sale and delivery of animal feeds and veterinary medicines.
The purpose of the AAFCO Standards is to describe if a food includes necessary nutrients, how that determination was made, and for what life stage the meal is suitable. In essence, it informs you whether the diet is "full and balanced" for a specific period of life.
Food for pets is subject to both federal and state laws. The FDA has power at the federal level, but most states' agricultural departments will also have their own regulations regarding pet food.
The majority of AAFCO's members are government officials tasked with implementing rules and regulations within their respective states to ensure that animal feeds are safe for consumption.