Public consultation on the draft guidance on the use of read-across for chemical safety assessment in food and feed

Abstract

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has developed a guidance on the use of read-across for chemical safety assessment in food and feed. The guidance aims to enhance the scientific robustness and transparency of read-across approaches, aligning with the EU's commitment to the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal testing). The guidance provides a structured, step-by-step framework for implementing read-across as part of a weight-of-evidence approach. The draft version of the guidance was open for public consultation from 10 March to 21 April 2025, receiving input from eleven stakeholders across seven countries. Feedback addressed general read-across methodology, uncertainty management, and the integration of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). In response, EFSA's Scientific Committee working group (WG) revised the document to enhance clarity and robustness. Key updates include improved explanations of food and feed risk assessment contexts, clearer figures, and expanded guidance on the use of NAMs. The guidance was revised to include clearer recommendations for characterising uncertainty using expert judgment and quantitative methods, where feasible. The revised version also reinforces the importance of standardised procedures to ensure consistency, transparency, and regulatory compliance, and provides clearer criteria for the integration of NAMs to support uncertainty reduction and strengthen the scientific basis of read-across.