Biological hazard applications
Overview and procedure
In the field of biological hazards, EFSA evaluates applications in two scientific areas: alternative processing methods of animal by-products and decontamination substances other than potable water for food of animal origin.
Alternative processing methods of animal by-products
Animal by-products (ABPs) are entire bodies or parts of animals, products of animal origin or other products obtained from animals, which are not intended for human consumption. Some of them are authorised to be processed for the production of industrial products.
Applications on ABPs should be submitted to the national competent authority of a Member State, according to the legislation. Application dossiers are then forwarded to EFSA by the competent authority.
Annex VII of Commission Regulation (EU) 142/2011 includes provisions on the format, language and content of the application.
Decontamination substances
All substances other than potable water used for the removal of microbial surface contamination of foods of animal origin require prior authorisation. Applications should be submitted to the European Commission. EFSA evaluates the safety and efficacy of these ‘decontamination substances’.