Biological hazard and animal welfare applications

Last reviewed date:

18 Decembrie 2023

Overview and procedure

Biological hazard applications

In the field of biological hazards, EFSA evaluates applications in two scientific areas: alternative processing methods of animal by-products and decontamination substances other than potable water for food of animal origin.

Alternative processing methods of animal by-products

Animal by-products (ABPs) are entire bodies or parts of animals, products of animal origin or other products obtained from animals, which are not intended for human consumption. Some of them are authorised to be processed for the production of industrial products.

Applications on ABPs should be submitted to the national competent authority of a Member State, according to the legislation. Application dossiers are then forwarded to EFSA by the competent authority.

Annex VII of Commission Regulation (EU) 142/2011 includes provisions on the format, language and content of the application.

Decontamination substances

All substances other than potable water used for the removal of microbial surface contamination of foods of animal origin require prior authorisation. Applications should be submitted to the European Commission. EFSA evaluates the safety and efficacy of these ‘decontamination substances’.

Animal welfare applications

Stunning methods regarding animal protection at the time of killing

Stunning methods are defined as any intentionally induced process which causes loss of consciousness and sensibility without pain including any process resulting in instantaneous death.

Annex I to the Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 can include approved stunning methods and their specifications, on the basis of a scientific assessment provided by EFSA.

Dossiers of stunning methods processes should be submitted to the European Commission (EC). Upon decision of EC, dossiers are sent to EFSA by the applicants using the e-submission-tool Portalino. EFSA evaluates the safety and efficacy of the stunning method processes.