According to the Panel, Salmonella is the major biological hazard for animal feed, with other bacteria such as Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes), E. coli (Escherichia coli O157 : H7) and Clostridium spp. having less importance.

Salmonella-contaminated animal feed can be a source of infection for food-producing animals and derived food products. The most common types of Salmonella occurring in humans are seldom found in animal feed. However, some types of Salmonella found in feed are also found in humans.

EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel Chair, Dan Collins, said, “Animal feed can be a source of several types of Salmonella. Eliminating Salmonella in animal feed even before it gets to the farm will make a contribution to reducing Salmonella in our food.

“EFSA with its comprehensive risk assessment mandate, from animal health and welfare, to food and feed safety is uniquely placed to provide a comprehensive risk assessment view on Salmonella and other microbiological risks. This opinion is a good example of how EFSA is moving towards an integrated approach in its risk assessment work.”