EFSA Journal最新文献

{"title":"Microbiological hazards associated with the use of water in the post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and herbs (ffFVH). Part 5 (Frozen FVH process water management plan)","authors":"EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ),&nbsp;Ana Allende,&nbsp;Avelino Alvarez-Ordóñez,&nbsp;Valeria Bortolaia,&nbsp;Sara Bover-Cid,&nbsp;Alessandra De Cesare,&nbsp;Wietske Dohmen,&nbsp;Laurent Guillier,&nbsp;Lieve Herman,&nbsp;Liesbeth Jacxsens,&nbsp;Lapo Mughini-Gras,&nbsp;Maarten Nauta,&nbsp;Jakob Ottoson,&nbsp;Luisa Peixe,&nbsp;Fernando Perez-Rodriguez,&nbsp;Panagiotis Skandamis,&nbsp;Elisabetta Suffredini,&nbsp;Jen Banach,&nbsp;Bin Zhou,&nbsp;Maria Teresa da Silva Felício,&nbsp;Laura Martino,&nbsp;Winy Messens,&nbsp;Angela Botteon","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9172","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9172","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations is an important risk factor for microbiological cross-contamination of fruits, vegetables and herbs (FVH). Industrial data indicated that the frozen FVH sector is characterised by operational cycles between 8 and 120 h, variable product volumes and no control of the temperature of process water. Intervention strategies were limited to the use of water disinfection treatments such as peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine-based disinfectants were not used, and water replenishment was not observed within studied industries. The industrial data, which included 13 scenarios, were used to develop a guidance for a water management plan (WMP) for the frozen FVH sector. A WMP aims to maintain the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water and consists of: (a) identification of microbial hazards and hazardous events linked to process water; (b) establishment of the relationship between microbiological and physico-chemical parameters; (c) description of preventive measures; (d) description of intervention measures, including their validation, operational monitoring and verification; and (e) record keeping and trend analysis. A predictive model was used to simulate water management outcomes, highlighting the need for water disinfection treatments to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water and the added value of water replenishment. Relying solely on water replenishment (at realistic feasible rates) does not avoid microbial accumulation in the water. Operational monitoring of the physico-chemical parameters ensures that the disinfection systems are operating effectively. Verification includes microbiological analysis of the process water linked to the operational monitoring outcomes of physico-chemical parameters. Food business operators should set up and validate a tailored WMP to identify physico-chemical parameters, as well as microbial indicators and their threshold levels as performance standards for maintaining the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11780613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coordinated One Health investigation and management of outbreaks in humans and animals caused by zoonotic avian influenza viruses","authors":"Theresa Enkirch,&nbsp;Andrea Gervelmeyer,&nbsp;Luisa Hallmaier-Wacker,&nbsp;Angeliki Melidou,&nbsp;Katriina Willgert","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9183","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9183","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>When investigating and controlling outbreaks caused by zoonotic avian influenza viruses (AIV), a One Health approach is key. However, knowledge-sharing on AIV-specific One Health strategies, tools and action plans remains limited across the EU/EEA. It is crucial to establish responsibilities, capacity requirements, and collaboration mechanisms during 'peace time' to enable timely and effective outbreak investigations and management.</p>\u0000 <p>This report focuses on five scenarios for outbreak investigation and management of zoonotic AIV at the human-animal-environment interface, emphasising key actions for the stakeholders involved. The document primarily highlights the collaborative framework necessary for interdisciplinary coordinated responses, referring to more detailed guidance and technical reports published elsewhere when applicable. Three scenarios are triggered by suspected outbreaks in animals, including kept animals of listed species, non-listed species, companion animals and wild birds/mammals. The other two scenarios are initiated by a probable human case or detection of the virus in wastewater or environmental samples (e.g. surface water or other sources).</p>\u0000 <p>All scenarios require cross-sectoral coordination and a One Health approach. While the specific sequence of actions and communication needs may differ across scenarios, the overarching response mechanisms for outbreak investigations and management remain consistent. By presenting each scenario alongside the integrated actions of stakeholders, the report identifies critical development needs, such as tools (e.g. communication and data sharing platforms); key points for information exchange across sectors, triggers for joint risk assessments, and gaps in existing knowledge.</p>\u0000 <p>The document should assist in developing guidance documents to facilitate coordinated One Health investigations and the management of outbreaks in humans and animals caused by zoonotic avian influenza viruses.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparedness, prevention and control related to zoonotic avian influenza","authors":"EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW),&nbsp;ECDC,&nbsp;Julio Alvarez,&nbsp;Anette Boklund,&nbsp;Sabine Dippel,&nbsp;Fernanda Dórea,&nbsp;Jordi Figuerola,&nbsp;Mette S. Herskin,&nbsp;Virginie Michel,&nbsp;Miguel Ángel Miranda Chueca,&nbsp;Eleonora Nannoni,&nbsp;Søren Saxmose Nielsen,&nbsp;Romolo Nonno,&nbsp;Anja B. Riber,&nbsp;Jan Arend Stegeman,&nbsp;Karl Ståhl,&nbsp;Hans-Hermann Thulke,&nbsp;Frank Tuyttens,&nbsp;Christoph Winckler,&nbsp;Claire Brugerolles,&nbsp;Thorsten Wolff,&nbsp;Anna Parys,&nbsp;Erika Lindh,&nbsp;Neus Latorre-Margalef,&nbsp;Marie-Anne Rameix Welti,&nbsp;Ralf Dürrwald,&nbsp;Ramona Trebbien,&nbsp;Sylvie Van der Werf,&nbsp;Magnus Gisslén,&nbsp;Isabella Monne,&nbsp;Alice Fusaro,&nbsp;Claire Guinat,&nbsp;Alessio Bortolami,&nbsp;Leonidas Alexakis,&nbsp;Theresa Enkirch,&nbsp;Olov Svartstrom,&nbsp;Katriina Willgert,&nbsp;Francesca Baldinelli,&nbsp;Ludovica Preite,&nbsp;Malin Grant,&nbsp;Alessandro Broglia,&nbsp;Angeliki Melidou","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9191","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9191","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A risk assessment framework was developed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of avian influenza (AI), focusing on virus mutations linked to phenotypic traits related to mammalian adaptation identified in the literature. Virus sequences were screened for the presence of these mutations and their geographical, temporal and subtype-specific trends. Spillover events to mammals (including humans) and human seroprevalence studies were also reviewed. Thirty-four mutations associated with five phenotypic traits (increased receptor specificity, haemagglutinin stability, neuraminidase specificity, enhanced polymerase activity and evasion of innate immunity) were shortlisted. AI viruses (AIVs) carrying multiple adaptive mutations and traits belonged to both low and highly pathogenic subtypes, mainly to A(H9N2), A(H7N9), A(H5N6) and A(H3N8), were sporadic and primarily detected in Asia. In the EU/EEA, H5Nx viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b, which have increased opportunities for evolution due to widespread circulation in birds and occasional cases/outbreaks in mammals, have acquired the highest number of zoonotic traits. Adaptive traits, such as enhanced polymerase activity and immune evasion, were frequently acquired, while receptor-specific mutations remained rare. Globally, human cases remain rare, with the majority overall due to A(H5N1), A(H5N6), A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) that are among the subtypes that tend to have a higher number of adaptive traits. The main drivers of mammalian adaptation include virus and host characteristics, and external factors increasing AIV exposure of mammals and humans to wild and domestic birds (e.g. human activities and ecological factors). Comprehensive surveillance of AIVs targeting adaptive mutations with whole genome sequencing in animals and humans is essential for early detection of zoonotic AIVs and efficient implementation of control measures. All preparedness, preventive and control measures must be implemented under a One Health framework and tailored to the setting and the epidemiological situation; in particular, enhanced monitoring, biosecurity, genomic surveillance and global collaboration are critical for mitigating the zoonotic risks of AIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain LFS","authors":"EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ),&nbsp;Holger Zorn,&nbsp;José Manuel Barat Baviera,&nbsp;Claudia Bolognesi,&nbsp;Francesco Catania,&nbsp;Gabriele Gadermaier,&nbsp;Ralf Greiner,&nbsp;Baltasar Mayo,&nbsp;Alicja Mortensen,&nbsp;Yrjö Henrik Roos,&nbsp;Marize L. M. Solano,&nbsp;Monika Sramkova,&nbsp;Henk Van Loveren,&nbsp;Laurence Vernis,&nbsp;Daniele Cavanna,&nbsp;Yi Liu","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9225","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9225","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the genetically modified <i>Aspergillus niger</i> strain LFS by DSM Food Specialties B.V. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in one food manufacturing process. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include one additional process. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of two food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.110 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (1038 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 9436. Based on the new data, the revised margin of exposure and the previous evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775535/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme glucose oxidase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain ZGL","authors":"EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ),&nbsp;Holger Zorn,&nbsp;José Manuel Barat Baviera,&nbsp;Claudia Bolognesi,&nbsp;Francesco Catania,&nbsp;Gabriele Gadermaier,&nbsp;Ralf Greiner,&nbsp;Baltasar Mayo,&nbsp;Alicja Mortensen,&nbsp;Yrjö Henrik Roos,&nbsp;Marize L. M. Solano,&nbsp;Monika Sramkova,&nbsp;Henk Van Loveren,&nbsp;Laurence Vernis,&nbsp;Daniele Cavanna,&nbsp;Yi Liu","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9224","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9224","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The food enzyme glucose oxidase (β-<span>d</span>-glucose: oxygen 1-oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4) is produced with the genetically modified <i>Aspergillus niger</i> strain ZGL by DSM Food Specialties B.V. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in one food manufacturing process. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include one additional process. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of two food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.025 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) previously reported (1038 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 41,520. Based on the new data, the revised margin of exposure and the previous evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775514/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety evaluation of changed use levels of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Limtongozyma cylindracea strain AE-LAYH (B)","authors":"EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ),&nbsp;Holger Zorn,&nbsp;José Manuel Barat Baviera,&nbsp;Claudia Bolognesi,&nbsp;Francesco Catania,&nbsp;Gabriele Gadermaier,&nbsp;Ralf Greiner,&nbsp;Baltasar Mayo,&nbsp;Alicja Mortensen,&nbsp;Yrjö Henrik Roos,&nbsp;Marize L. M. Solano,&nbsp;Monika Sramkova,&nbsp;Henk Van Loveren,&nbsp;Laurence Vernis,&nbsp;Roos Anna de Nijs,&nbsp;Magdalena Andryszkiewicz,&nbsp;Daniele Cavanna,&nbsp;Yi Liu","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9223","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9223","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified <i>Limtongozyma cylindracea</i> strain AE-LAYH (B) by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in six food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to revise the use levels for three food manufacturing processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the dietary exposure assessment of this food enzyme when used in six food manufacturing processes at the revised use levels. As the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) are removed from the final foods in one food manufacturing process, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme–TOS was estimated for the remaining five processes. It was calculated to be up to 0.220 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Based on the new data, the revised exposure estimation and the previous evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Welfare of horses during killing for purposes other than slaughter","authors":"EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare),&nbsp;Søren Saxmose Nielsen,&nbsp;Julio Alvarez,&nbsp;Anette Boklund,&nbsp;Sabine Dippel,&nbsp;Fernanda Dorea,&nbsp;Jordi Figuerola,&nbsp;Mette Herskin,&nbsp;Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca,&nbsp;Eleonora Nannoni,&nbsp;Romolo Nonno,&nbsp;Anja Riber,&nbsp;Karl Stahl,&nbsp;Jan Arend Stegeman,&nbsp;Hans-Hermann Thulke,&nbsp;Frank Tuyttens,&nbsp;Christoph Winckler,&nbsp;Mohan Raj,&nbsp;Antonio Velarde,&nbsp;Denise Candiani,&nbsp;Yves Van der Stede,&nbsp;Virginie Michel","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9195","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9195","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Horses of different ages may have to be killed on-farm for purposes other than slaughter (where slaughter is defined as killing for human consumption) either individually (i.e. on-farm killing of unproductive, injured or terminally ill animals) or on a large-scale (i.e. depopulation for disease control purposes and other situations, such as environmental contamination, disaster management, etc.). The purpose of this opinion is to assess the hazards and welfare consequences associated with the on-farm killing of horses. The killing procedure is divided into Phase 1 (pre-killing), which includes the processes (i) handling and moving the animals to the killing place and (ii) restraint of the animals before application of the killing method; and Phase 2 (stunning and/or killing), which includes stunning and killing of the animals (for methods that require one step for stunning and another for subsequent killing) or killing only (for methods that simultaneously stun and kill the animals). Three stunning and/or killing methods for Phase 2 for horses were identified: (i) penetrative captive bolt followed by killing, (ii) firearms with free projectiles and (iii) lethal injection. Welfare consequences that horses may experience during each process (e.g. handling stress, restriction of movement and injuries during restraint) were identified and potential hazards are listed for all phases, along with preventive and corrective measures. Animal-based measures (ABMs) to assess all identified welfare consequences were proposed. During the application of the stunning and/or killing methods, horses will experience pain and fear if they are ineffectively stunned/killed or if they recover consciousness. A flowchart including ABMs for the assessment of consciousness and death to monitor stunning and killing effectiveness is provided. Additionally, specific practices deemed unacceptable on welfare grounds are listed.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11773343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143058615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plain Language Summary of the Scientific opinion on welfare of horses at slaughter","authors":"","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.p230101","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.p230101","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11773339/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143058611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risks to human and animal health from the presence of bromide in food and feed","authors":"EFSA Scientific Committee,&nbsp;Susanne Hougaard Bennekou,&nbsp;Ana Allende,&nbsp;Angela Bearth,&nbsp;Josep Casacuberta,&nbsp;Laurence Castle,&nbsp;Tamara Coja,&nbsp;Amélie Crépet,&nbsp;Thorhallur Halldorsson,&nbsp;Laurentius (Ron) Hoogenboom,&nbsp;Helle Knutsen,&nbsp;Konstantinos Koutsoumanis,&nbsp;Claude Lambré,&nbsp;Søren Nielsen,&nbsp;Dominique Turck,&nbsp;Antonio Vicent Civera,&nbsp;Roberto Villa,&nbsp;Holger Zorn,&nbsp;Vasileios Bampidis,&nbsp;Jacqueline Castenmiller,&nbsp;Marie-Christine Chagnon,&nbsp;Bruce Cottrill,&nbsp;Keyvin Darney,&nbsp;Jürgen Gropp,&nbsp;Secundino Lopez Puente,&nbsp;Martin Rose,&nbsp;Marco Vinceti,&nbsp;Maria Bastaki,&nbsp;Petra Gergelová,&nbsp;Luna Greco,&nbsp;Matteo Lorenzo Innocenti,&nbsp;Judit Janossy,&nbsp;Anna Lanzoni,&nbsp;Andrea Terron,&nbsp;Diane Benford","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9121","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9121","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The European Commission mandated EFSA to assess the toxicity of bromide, the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs), and possible transfer from feed into food of animal origin. The critical effects of bromide in experimental animals are on the thyroid and central nervous system. Changes in thyroid hormone homeostasis could result in neurodevelopmental toxicity, among other adverse effects. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations and neurophysiological parameters have also been observed in experimental human studies, but the evidence was limited. Dose–response modelling of decreased blood thyroxine concentrations in rats resulted in a reference point of 40 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day. The Scientific Committee established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.4 mg/kg bw per day and an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.4 mg/kg bw per day to protect against adverse neurodevelopmental effects. The TDI value is supported by the results of experimental human studies with a NOAEL of 4 mg/kg bw per day and 10-fold interindividual variability. The TDI and ARfD are considered as conservative with 90% certainty. Insufficient evidence related to the toxicological effects of bromide was available for animals, with the exception of dogs. Therefore, the reference point of 40 mg/kg bw per day was extrapolated to maximum safe concentrations of bromide in complete feed for other animal species. Bromide can transfer from feed to food of animal origin, but, from the limited data, it was not possible to quantify the transfer rate. Monitoring data exceeded the current MRLs for some food commodities, generally with a low frequency. A conservative safety screening of the MRLs indicated that the TDI and ARfD are exceeded for some EU diets. Dietary exposure assessment for animals was not feasible due to insufficient data. The Scientific Committee recommends data be generated to allow robust dietary exposure assessments in the future, and data that support the risk assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11773346/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143058613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plain Language Summary of the Scientific opinion on welfare of horses during on-farm killing for purposes other than slaughter","authors":"","doi":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.p230102","DOIUrl":"10.2903/j.efsa.2025.p230102","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11657,"journal":{"name":"EFSA Journal","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11773344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143058612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}