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 15 documents
Original title:Valutazione del benessere animale nell'allevamento del coniglio - Manuale per l'autocontrollo
Food Domain: Animal Health
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 rabbits, 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 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 della biosicurezza negli allevamenti di suini semibradi ad alta capacità-Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; 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 Biosecurity in pig farming, a guidance and a checklist for high-capacity semi-free-range system 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 della biosicurezza negli allevamenti di suini stabulati a bassa capacità-Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; 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 Biosecurity in pig farming, a guidance and a checklist for low-capacity housed system 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 della biosicurezza negli allevamenti di suini semibradi a bassa capacità-Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; 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 Biosecurity in pig farming, a guidance and a checklist for low-capacity semi-free-range system 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 della biosicurezza negli allevamenti di suini stabulati ad alta capacità-Manuale per i Controlli Ufficiali- Classyfarm
Food Domain: Animal Health; 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 Biosecurity in pig farming, a guidance and a checklist for high-capacity housed system 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""
Guidelines and procedure for the collection of samples from the encephalon stem surveillance of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in bovines, buffalo, sheep, goats and deer
Original title:Linea guida e procedura per il prelievo dei campioni di tronco encefalico sorveglianza delle encefalopatie spongiformi trasmissibili in bovini, bufalini, ovini, caprini e cervi
Food Domain: Animal Health; Biological Hazards - EUSR TSE
Abstract/Summary:These guidelines provide useful guidance to Local Health Authority veterinarians regarding brainstem sampling procedures, surveillance for bovine, sheep/goat and cervid TSEs, and biosecurity measures in compliance with the regulatory framework.
Original title:Linee guida per la lotta alle encefalopatie spongiformi trasmissibili (TSE) negli allevamenti ovini e caprini
Food Domain: Animal Health; Biological Hazards - EUSR TSE
Abstract/Summary:"The following Guidelines are intended to be a tool that can facilitate the application of the complex regulations governing the management of TSEs in sheep and goats. In the
specific attention has been paid to the surveillance and management of outbreaks.
It should be noted that collaboration with the breeder must always be promoted for the purpose of the prompt reporting, to the competent Local Health Authority, of all cases of animal death and possible finding of clinical symptoms and behavioral alterations referable to the disease. Failure to report the death constitutes a violation of the provisions of Art. 6 of Legislative Decree 136/2022 and therefore the sanctioning measures provided for in by Article 23, paragraph 1 of the same Legislative Decree 136/2022, as explained by the note of the Ministry of Health 0005173-23/02/2023-DGSAF-MDS-P.
Anything not expressly defined in the following guidelines shall be implemented pursuant to current national and European Union regulations."
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.
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 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"
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.
Original title:Une méthode qualitative d’estimation du risque en santé animale
Food Domain: Animal Health
Abstract/Summary:This methodological document, titled A qualitative risk assessment method in animal health, presents a structured qualitative approach for estimating risks in veterinary contexts. It frames risk analysis according to the standard phases: hazard identification, risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. The document proposes a decision-aiding tool using categorical scales (e.g. negligible, low, medium, high) to rate likelihoods and consequences, and to combine them into qualitative risk levels. It emphasizes using expert judgment in a transparent, documented way, integrating epidemiological, biological, and managerial data. The method suggests steps to define the context, identify hazards and pathways, evaluate the probability of occurrence and magnitude of impact, and characterize resulting risk. Uncertainties should be explicitly stated, and assumptions recorded. The guidance also underscores that qualitative approaches should be proportionate to available data and resource constraints, and may serve as a preliminary screening tool before more quantitative analyses. In sum, it offers a pragmatic, transparent framework to support decision-making in animal health when quantitative data are limited.