Published: 8 April 2026
The EU Library gathers guidance documents related to food safety and produced by EU national competent organisations and risk assessors.
The EU Library includes entries collected by members of EFSA’s Advisory Forum with the support of the national Focal Points. It will be updated at least annually to ensure the inclusion of any new guidance and updates of existing ones.
Showing 26 documents
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale e della biosicurezza dell'allevamento della bovina da latte: manuale di autocontrollo-ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use. Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare and Biosecurity in dairy cows, a guidance and two checklists (for both loose-housed and tie-stalls housing systems) have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale del suino da ingrasso in allevamento all'aperto -ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna """"Bruno Ubertini"""" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare of free-ranging fattening pigs , a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere e animale nell'allevamento delle specie bovina e bufalina- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for bovines and buffaloes farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento del vitello- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for cattle farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere e animale nell'allevamento delle specie ovina e caprina- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for goats and sheep farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento della gallina ovaiola- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for laying hens farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento della specie suina- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare in pig farming, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale delle galline ovaiole: manuale di autocontrollo- ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare of laying hens, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento del pollo da carne - Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for broiler farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento del coniglio - Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for rabbit farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento del tacchino- Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare, a guidance and a checklist for turkey farms have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by the Official Veterinarian.
To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed, and it is integrated into the official animal welfare checklist, which is structured in sections to verify compliance with current regulatory requirements. The data collected is further combined with information from the National Data Bank, ClassyFarm checklists from farm veterinarians, and return data from slaughterhouses, all contributing to the assessment of the farm's risk level, which can be compared at provincial, regional, and national levels.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the Official Veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides a
document that will contain:
- the critical points found (criteria with non-compliant or insufficient evaluation),
- the overall risk level of the herd, calculated from the ratio of “non-compliant - insufficient, “compliant - acceptable” and “compliant - optimal” observations,
- the risk level for each area (Area A: Farm management and staff training; Area B: Facilities and equipment; Area C: Animal-based measures), expressed according to the observations noted (non-compliant, compliant, optimal, insufficient, improvable).
-any measures and prescriptions adopted,
-the final result of the inspection, along with the owner's or keeper's right to defense.
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale e della biosicurezza dell'allevamento della pecora da latte: manuale di autocontrollo-ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare and Biosecurity in dairy sheep, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale polli da carne: manuale di autocontrollo- ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare of broilers, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Intégration de l’exposome dans les travaux de l’Anses
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards…
Abstract/Summary:The ANSES guidance “Intégration de l’exposome dans les activités de l’Anses” (2022-METH-0197) explores how the exposome concept—which encompasses the full array of environmental, chemical, biological, physical, psychosocial, and socio-economic influences over an individual’s life—can be integrated into the Agency’s risk assessment and health evaluation activities. The report surveys existing definitions, data sources, methods, and tools relevant to exposome research, and identifies challenges in applying them in regulatory or public health contexts. It emphasizes the need for holistic exposure tracking (multiple sources, multiple pathways, temporal dynamics), incorporation of inter- and intra-individual variability, and dealing with mixtures of stressors. The guidance proposes a roadmap for operationalizing exposome approaches within ANSES: selecting priorities, developing or adapting measurement and modelling tools, ensuring data interoperability, and embedding these approaches in expert assessments. Overall, the document aims to modernize risk evaluation by shifting from single-agent, single-pathway assessments toward more integrated, realistic representations of human exposures over life.
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:This guidance document from the Office for Risk Assessment & Research (BuRO) of the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) outlines the methodology used for assessing risks to animal welfare. Based on EFSA's framework and aligned with Codex Alimentarius principles, the method includes four key steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment, and risk characterisation. It integrates the Welfare Quality® principles to structure welfare-related hazards and consequences, focusing on nutrition, housing, health, and behavior.
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale e della biosicurezza dell'allevamento della capra da latte: manuale di autocontrollo-ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare and Biosecurity in dairy goat, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale delle galline ovaiole-manuale di autocontrollo - ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna """"Bruno Ubertini"""" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare of laying hens, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Linee guida nazionali in materia di protezione di conigli allevati per la produzione di carne.
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:In 2014, the Italian Ministry of Health issued guidelines for the farming of meat rabbits, aiming to guide the production sector toward improved animal management practices. This initiative was taken in light of the fact that, both at the European and national levels, there is currently no specific legislation in force for this species. The only applicable regulatory framework remains Legislative Decree 146/2001 (transposing Directive 98/58/EC), which, however, provides general provisions that are too broad to be effectively applied to rabbits. The purpose of the ministerial guidelines was to offer basic recommendations through a practical tool intended for both farmers and veterinary services responsible for official controls. Following requests from sector associations, the need arose to update these guidelines based on new scientific evidence. To this end, a dedicated working group was established within the Ministry of Health, which also considered the latest scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on January 9, 2020. The final version of the text underwent an internal review process within the Ministry of Health and was subsequently revised in accordance with the opinion expressed by Section IV of the Higher Health Council on September 16, 2020. The document was then submitted to the Regions and Autonomous Provinces, which issued a favorable opinion on January 20, 2021. The expected impact of these new guidelines (Annex 1), beyond raising awareness among farmers regarding improved and innovative farming and animal management practices compared to previous methods, is to help align the sector with the requirements of both the national and European Union markets. It is therefore hoped that the production sector will take full advantage of this opportunity—not only to reassure consumers but also to be adequately prepared in the event of future national or EU legislative developments, a prospect already advocated by several EU Member States.
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale e della biosicurezza dell'allevamento del bovino da carne: manuale di autocontrollo- ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ""Bruno Ubertini"" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare and Biosecurity in beef cattles, a guidance and a checklists have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento suino dallo svezzamento all'ingrasso - ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna """"Bruno Ubertini"""" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare in pig farming, from the weaning phase to the fattening phase, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale del suino da riproduzione: manuale di autocontrollo-ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna """"Bruno Ubertini"""" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare of breeding pigs, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale: linee guida per la prevenzione del taglio coda nell'allevamento suino dallo svezzamento all'ingrasso -ClassyFarm
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:"ClassyFarm is an IT platform of the Italian Ministry of Health, developed by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna """"Bruno Ubertini"""" (IZSLER), with the aim to categorise livestock farms based on their risk in animal welfare, biosecurity, and antimicrobial use.
Within this platform, several data are inserted: in relation to Animal Welfare and prevention of tail docking application in pig farming, from the weaning phase to the fattening phase, a guidance and a checklist have been developed for on-farm risk assessment to be run by a farm veterinarian (private practitioner). To guarantee a uniform collection of management-based, resource-based, and animal-based indicators, this guidance has been developed.
The indicators are based on current European and Italian animal welfare legislation and international scientific references, such as the Welfare Quality protocol (2009) and several EFSA Opinions and Guidelines. For each indicator (question), three possible answers have been identified according to three levels of risk:
- Level 1 - High risk: unacceptable or non-compliant condition; some animals may be in stressful situations and exposed to hazards.
- Level 2 - Controlled Risk: compliant condition, where animals benefit at least from the five animal welfare freedoms.
- Level 3 - Low risk: optimal condition, above minimum law requirements, which allows animals to have rewarding positive experiences.
Once the farm veterinarian submits aswers to the Classyfarm Platfor, the system provides scores for non-animal-based and animal-based indicators, breaking them down into three assessment areas (on a 0-100% scale scoring system):
- Area A: Farm management and staff training
- Area B: Facilities and equipment
- Area C: Animal-based measures
- along with a final total score for overall Animal Welfare (0-100%).
For more info: https://www.classyfarm.it/index.php/en/what-en"""
ANSES methodological guide for the planning of expert assessments, uncertainty analysis, literature review, and evaluation of the weight of evidence
Original title:Guide méthodologique de l’Anses pour la planification des expertises, l’analyse d’incertitude, la revue de la littérature et l’évaluation du poids des preuves
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards…
Abstract/Summary:This methodological report by ANSES (GT ACCMER) aims to operationalize previous recommendations from GT MER by adapting them into a pragmatic framework for internal use. It offers guidance on planning expert assessments, conducting literature reviews, evaluating the weight of evidence, and analyzing uncertainties systematically in risk evaluation contexts. The document also provides decision criteria for choosing methods proportionate to the complexity, data availability, and stakes of each expertise. Key features include standardized review protocols, dual independent assessments, structured integration of evidence lines, transparent justification of methodological choices, and graded expression of confidence or uncertainty. By embedding these processes into the organisational practices of ANSES and allowing iterative refinement during pilot implementation, the report seeks to enhance consistency, rigour, reproducibility and transparency across the Agency’s expert assessments.
Original title:Prise en compte de l’incertitude en évaluation des risques : revue de la littérature et recommandations pour l’Anses
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards…
Abstract/Summary:This ANSES guidance (Prise en compte de l’incertitude en évaluation des risques) reviews scientific concepts and methodologies for treating uncertainty within risk assessment, and offers recommendations tailored to ANSES practices. It begins by defining types and sources of uncertainty (e.g. data gaps, model assumptions, variability) and reviews methods (probabilistic models, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, expert elicitation, qualitative approaches). It proposes a structured workflow: planning the uncertainty analysis, identifying and characterizing uncertainties in each assessment step, propagating uncertainties through the model, and communicating them transparently. The document emphasizes distinguishing uncertainty from variability, documenting assumptions and choices, expressing confidence levels or degrees of uncertainty, and using both quantitative and qualitative approaches when appropriate. In its annex (“illustrations and updates”), the working group recommends explicitly integrating uncertainty analysis and weight-of-evidence elements into assessments. Overall, the guidance seeks to improve robustness, clarity and consistency in how ANSES deals with uncertainty in scientific assessments.
Evaluation of the weight of evidence at ANSES: critical review of the literature and recommendations at the hazard identification stage
Original title:Évaluation du poids des preuves à l’Anses: revue critique de la littérature et recommandations à l’étape d’identification des dangers
Food Domain: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Biological Hazards…
Abstract/Summary:This guidance report by ANSES critically reviews existing literature on the “weight of evidence” (WoE) approach as applied in the hazard identification phase of risk assessment, and makes methodological recommendations to harmonize internal practices. It defines key concepts (e.g. line of evidence, WoE, systematic review), proposes a four-step framework (planning, establishment of evidence lines, integration, expression of conclusions), and evaluates ~25 methods from the literature according to criteria of directionality, relevance, and feasibility. The report then compares these with current practices at ANSES and formulates concrete recommendations to improve transparency, reproducibility and consistency in expert assessments. Recommendations include use of formal reading grids, dual independent review, meta-analysis or multicriteria methods where possible, explicit justifications of choices, and graded expression of evidence strength. The document aims to strengthen the credibility and robustness of scientific expertise within ANSES.
OPINION of the National Agency for for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety on "Recommendations for the development of a good practice guide to ensure animal welfare"
Original title:AVIS de l’Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail relatif à des « Recommandations pour l’élaboration d’un guide de bonnes pratiques pour assurer le bien-être animal »
Food Domain: Animal Welfare
Abstract/Summary:This ANSES Avis provides recommendations for drafting Guides of Best Practices (GBP) to ensure animal welfare. The guidance is intended to help ANSES evaluate such GBP and to assist professionals in producing them. It emphasizes that GBP should be consistent, transparent, and scientifically grounded while remaining practical for intended users and adaptable to evolving knowledge. Animal welfare is defined as a multidimensional state reflected by satisfying physiological and behavioral needs and the ability to cope with environment. The document proposes a template for GBP, covering sections including objectives, scope (species, settings, actors), regulatory foundation, risk/factor analysis, description of recommended practices, control strategies, indicators, glossary, and annexes. Controls are categorized into first-level (operator self-checks), second-level (periodic internal sampling checks), and third-level (external audits or certification). The GBP should include strategies for monitoring, corrective actions, and updates over time. A multi-stakeholder drafting committee is recommended, involving operators, scientists, regulatory bodies, and external experts. The Avis underscores the importance of clarity, readability, and transparency of decision logic; and it encourages periodic revision and evaluation of GBP based on evidence, indicators, and feedback.