27/01/2010

EFSA consultation on the Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Substances for the Removal of Microbial Surface Contamination of Foods of Animal Origin

EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel has published for public consultation a revision of the joint guidance document of the BIOHAZ and former AFC (additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food) panels for the submission of applications on the substances to be used for removing microbial contamination from the surface of foods of animal origin.

The guidance includes data and examples of study designs for the evaluation of these substances with regard to their safety for consumers and the environment and their effectiveness in decreasing the level of microbial contamination. The guidance also indicates how the evaluation of the possible development of antimicrobial resistance triggered by decontamination agents should be carried out.

The information and data requested in this guidance concerning toxicological aspects reflect what was previously indicated in the joint AFC/BIOHAZ guidance document published in 2006.

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments within 4 weeks of publication of the guidance document. In line with its policy on openness and transparency, EFSA will publish a summary report of the comments received on its website and these will be taken into consideration when finalising the report. The report will be published in early 2010.

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/biohaz100122.htm