EFSA’s website is now available in Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The addition of Spanish means that all EFSA’s essential information, news stories and background materials are accessible in five languages – the content is already available in English, French, German and Italian. The launch of a Spanish version of the website marks the beginning of the gradual introduction...

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EFSA evaluates the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) before they can be authorised for use as food or feed and/or for cultivation in the EU. This includes GM plants, GM microorganisms and GM animals. Applications are submitted to the national competent authority of a Member State, which forwards the application to EFSA. The technical dossier of an application must be compiled according...

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EFSA assesses the scientific basis of nutrition and health claims submitted for authorisation in the EU. Work in the area of nutrition related to applications also includes the evaluation of novel foods, infant formulae and food allergens. The European Commission and Member States then decide whether to grant authorisation. In the case of health claims applications are submitted to the national competent authority of a...

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Salmonella and Campylobacter are becoming increasingly resistant to ciprofloxacin, one of the antibiotics of choice for treating infections caused by these bacteria. The conclusion is part of the latest report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonoses released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which also presents some positive trends in the animal sector. The latest data from...

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A balanced diet is one that provides adequate amounts of various nutrients to maintain health and well-being. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals and water are all nutrients. Each nutrient has a particular function in the human body. The amount of each individual nutrient needed to maintain an individual’s health is called the nutrient requirement. Nutrient requirements vary depending on age and gender. Level...

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The welfare of adult rabbits kept in conventional cage systems is worse than that of those housed in other systems used in the EU, EFSA has concluded. The main welfare issue they experience is restricted movement. The findings are part of a comprehensive comparison of the different rabbit housing systems used in the EU. EFSA’s scientific opinion is based on an extensive survey...

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Some substances belonging to a group of plant ingredients known as hydroxyanthracene derivatives can damage DNA and may cause cancer, said EFSA after assessing their safety when added to food. This group of substances naturally occurs in plants such as aloe or senna species. Extracts containing them are used in food supplements for their laxative effect. In 2013, EFSA found that hydroxyanthracene derivatives...

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EFSA has assessed the safety of green tea catechins from dietary sources, following concerns regarding their possible harmful effects on the liver. EFSA concluded that catechins from green tea infusions and similar drinks are generally safe. When taken as food supplements, however, catechin doses at or above 800 mg/day may pose health concerns. Green tea is widely consumed for its purported health benefits, but...

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