taxonomic identity

In food safety, taxonomic identity means knowing exactly which organism—such as a bacterium, yeast, or fungus—is present, down to its species or strain. This precise classification is important because different organisms can have very different effects on health.

EFSA uses taxonomic identity in its Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) approach to assess microorganisms for use in food and feed. By clearly identifying the organism, EFSA can determine whether it is safe based on existing knowledge or if further safety testing is needed. Accurate taxonomic identification is the first step in deciding whether a microorganism can be granted QPS status, which streamlines risk assessments for well-known, safe organisms.