International updates

EFSA is consulting on its statement on how to conduct and describe the whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis of microorganisms added to food and feed. The document provides guidance to applicants who wish to place such products on the market. The use of these...

The welfare of adult rabbits kept in conventional cage systems is worse than that of those housed in other systems used in the EU, EFSA has concluded. The main welfare issue they experience is restricted movement. The findings are part of a comprehensive comparison of...

Nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the EU in 2018 were caused by Salmonella. This is one of the main findings of the annual report on trends and sources of zoonoses published today by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for...

EFSA has updated its risk assessment of five phthalates used in plastic food contact material. What are phthalates? Phthalates are chemicals used to soften (or ‘plasticise’) plastics used in a range of industrial and consumer products including plastic food contact...

EFSA is seeking feedback from interested parties on its scientific opinion about public health risks related to the presence of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in food – a mycotoxin naturally produced by fungi such as the Penicillium and Aspergillus species. The deadline for...

Today is European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD). European Antibiotic Awareness Day takes place every year on 18 November to raise awareness of the threat to public health from antibiotic resistance and the importance of prudent use of antibiotics. Fighting...

EFSA is co-hosting with the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) a scientific conference on bee health focusing on the role of research in supporting risk assessment. The conference, which takes place in Paris on 9...

EFSA has proposed measures to address the animal welfare hazards most commonly observed during the slaughter of poultry for food production and disease control. A comprehensive overview published today covers the entire slaughter process from arrival and unloading of...

Improved surveillance, communication and collaboration are key to controlling the spread of African swine fever in Europe, according to a new risk assessment carried out by EFSA. The assessment estimates the potential for the disease to spread across south-eastern...

EFSA is calling on outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to help us track the movements of wild mammals. When you see a species we are looking for, simply take a photo and upload it to our platform with an easy-to-use free app called iMammalia. Wild animals are...