Outcome of the public consultation on the draft EFSA statement on the requirements for whole genome sequence analysis of microorganisms intentionally used in the food chain

In line with EFSA’s policy on openness and transparency and in order for EFSA to receive comments from the scientific community and stakeholders on its work, EFSA engages in public consultations on key issues. The Statement on the requirements for whole genome sequence analysis of microorganisms intentionally used in the food chain was endorsed for public consultation by the Scientific Committee of EFSA on the 4th of December 2019. The document was released for public consultation from 16th January 2020 to 28th February 2020. Stakeholders were informed and invited to submit comments. All comments were evaluated and when considered appropriate, the statement was modified to take account of the comments. EFSA received 189 comments from 36 interested parties: eighteen from the public sector (e.g., industry, consultancy), eight from universities, seven from public organisations, two from non-governmental organisations, and one from a citizen on her private capacity. The comments received (after removal of duplicates) are listed in Table 1, together with answers or comments from EFSA. All comments were subject to evaluation and assessment. EFSA wishes to thank all stakeholders for their contributions.