Abstract Based on the need for a scientific basis for existing requirements in EU legislation on freezing of meat or for its possible amendment, the opinion compares microbial growth of relevant pathogenic, spoilage and indicator microorganisms within five scenarios of chilling, storage and defrosting of bovine, ovine and porcine meat, using predictive microbiology models that considered various conditions of temperature and, where possible, pH and aw. Results obtained were compared to a reference scenario: storing meat at 7°C, aerobically, until 15 days post‐slaughter. Storage of meat for 6 weeks, vacuum‐packed immediately after stabilisation or 15 days post‐slaughter, resulted in more growth of at least some of the bacteria assessed compared to the reference scenario, both at 3°C (certainty level 66%–90%) and at 7°C (certainty level 95%–99%). Predictions allowed estimating time at which equivalent microbial growth (i.e. ≤ 0.5 log10 difference) to the reference scenario is reached (‘equivalence time’), assuming different initial contamination levels of relevant spoilage bacteria. When storing meat at 7°C, vacuum‐packed immediately after stabilisation, equivalence time was determined by Salmonella and reached in 5–6 days of post‐slaughter storage (certainty level 66%–90%). When storing meat at 3°C, equivalence time was determined by spoilage lactic acid bacteria and reached in 29–30 days post‐slaughter (certainty level 66%–90%). However, when initial contamination with spoilage bacteria was high (e.g. 5 log10 CFU/cm2), predicted spoilage levels of 7 log10 CFU/cm2 were reached after 15–16 days. When considering also expected growth during post‐defrosting storage at 4°C for 7 days, equivalence times were of 5–6 days (unchanged) and 13–16 days, respectively, though meat would have to be frozen immediately after stabilisation when initial contamination with spoilage bacteria is high. Predicted levels of indicator microorganisms for verification are provided for different assumed initial contamination levels, representing examples to be further adjusted based on actual measurements in practical settings.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) process was developed to provide a harmonised safety assessment approach to support EFSA Scientific Panels and Units. The QPS approach assesses the taxonomic identity, body of relevant knowledge and safety of microorganisms intentionally added to the food and feed chain. Safety concerns identified for a taxonomic unit (TU) are, where possible, reflected by ‘qualifications’ that should be assessed at the strain level by EFSA's Scientific Panels. During the period covered by this Statement, no new information warranted changes to the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. The QPS list was updated to verify the correctness of the names and the completeness of synonyms. Of the 47 microorganisms notified to EFSA between April and September 2025 (28 as feed additives, 11 as food enzymes or additives, 6 as novel foods, none as plant protection products and 2 as food contact materials), 43 were not evaluated. These latter included 9 filamentous fungi and 9 Escherichia coli (all excluded from the QPS evaluation), and 25 already present on the QPS list. One of the other four notifications, Heyndrickxia faecalis (previously known as Weizmannia faecalis ) , had been assessed recently within this 3-years QPS cycle. The remaining 3 were assessed for a possible QPS status. Microchloropsis gaditana , Bacillus thermoamylovorans (both notified for the first time) and an additional TU, Aurantiochytrium acetophilum , not evaluated previously, which was included in response to an internal request. B. thermoamylovorans cannot be granted the QPS status due to the lack of body of knowledge. A. acetophilum cannot be granted the QPS status due to a limited body of knowledge. M. gaditana can be granted the QPS status with the qualification for ‘ production purpose only ’.

The Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) process was developed to provide a harmonised safety assessment approach to support EFSA Scientific Panels and Units. The QPS approach assesses the taxonomic identity, body of knowledge and safety of microorganisms intentionally added to the food and feed chain. Safety concerns identified for a Taxonomic Unit (TU) are, where possible, reflected by 'qualifications' that should be assessed at the strain level by EFSA's Scientific Panels. During the period covered by this Statement, no new information warranted changes to the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. Of the 99 microorganisms notified to EFSA between October 2025 and March 2026 (47 as feed additives, 32 as food enzymes or additives, 5 as novel foods and 15 as plant protection products), 85 were not evaluated. These latter included 22 filamentous fungi, 6 Escherichia coli and 2 streptomyces (all excluded from the QPS evaluation), and 55 already present on the QPS list. Of the remaining 14 notifications, corresponding to 11 TUs, 7 were already assessed in the previous QPS 3-years cycle Bacillus thuringiensis, Ensifer adhaerens, Enterococcus lactis, Heyndrickxia faecalis, Hyphomicrobium denitrificans, Microbacterium foliorum and Papiliotrema terrestris and 4 TUs were assessed for the first time: Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas protegens, Lactococcus cremoris (new species, previously a subspecies, which was part of the QPS species Lactococcus lactis) and Companilactobacillus pabuli (new species 'split' of a previous QPS species Companilactobacillus farciminis). L. cremoris, H. faecalis and C. pabuli are recommended for the QPS list, E. adhaerens also but only for production purposes. B. thuringiensis, E. lactis, P. protegens and L. innocua are not recommended for the QPS list due to safety concerns. B. thuringiensis is excluded from further QPS assessment. M. foliorum, P. terrestris and H. denitrificans are not recommended for the QPS list due to the limited body of knowledge.

In school environments, characterized by high occupancy and prolonged exposure, airborne contaminants pose risks to respiratory health and learning outcomes. Portable air cleaners (PACs) are increasingly considered as a supplement to ventilation, yet field-based evidence remains heterogeneous, with few randomized trials and limited data on microbial agents. Here, we describe the design and methodology of a large-scale cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluating PAC effectiveness in Dutch primary school classrooms. The study included 180 classrooms across 29 primary schools, with classrooms clustered within schools and randomized to HEPA-filter PACs, ionization/plasma PACs, or no PACs. The design incorporated a three-week baseline or two-week post-intervention control period, and three repeated three-week intervention periods in the main phase, totaling up to 14 weeks per school. PACs were pre-tested under standardized laboratory conditions, screened for safety, and operated at comparable clean air delivery rates (CADR). Airborne dust was collected using electrostatic dust fall collectors (EDCs) and analyzed for bacterial markers representing common human microbiome constituents, a general bacterial indicator, and viral markers for seasonal infections. In 12 classrooms, active air sampling was conducted alongside EDCs to validate and quantify passive measurements. Continuous monitoring of particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM₄, PM₂.₅, PM₁), CO₂, air temperature, relative humidity, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was performed. Classroom-level absenteeism and parent-reported respiratory symptoms were collected retrospectively. Weekly national infectious-disease surveillance and outdoor PM and NO₂ data will contextualize indoor measurements and health outcomes. Hierarchical mixed-effects models accounting for school, cluster, and classroom structure will analyze microbial outcomes. Bayesian hierarchical models may be applied for values outside the quantifiable range. By integrating comprehensive indoor air quality assessment with a dual-control design distinguishing pre-existing classroom differences from temporal trends, this registered trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT07479420; 6 March 2026) provides a rigorous framework to evaluate PACs under real-world classroom conditions and support evidence-informed strategies to improve classroom indoor air quality.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07479420?term=air%20cleaner&viewType=Card&intr=air%20cleaner&rank=4, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT07479420.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) process was developed to provide a harmonised safety assessment approach to support EFSA Scientific Panels and Units. The QPS approach assesses the taxonomic identity, body of relevant knowledge and safety concerns of microorganisms intentionally added to the food and feed chain. Safety concerns identified for a taxonomic unit (TU) are, where possible, reflected by ‘qualifications’ that should be assessed at the strain level by EFSA's Scientific Panels. In total, 340 notifications were received between October 2022 and September 2025, of which, 190 were of microorganisms used for the production of feed additives, 87 for the production of food enzymes, food additives and flavourings, 3 for food contact materials, 22 as Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and 38 for novel foods. Bacteriophages, previously ineligible for the QPS status, are now eligible at the species level. The QPS list has been updated in relation to the most recent taxonomic insights and the qualifications were revised and streamlined. A BIOHAZ Panel Statement on how to interpret the QPS qualification on ‘acquired antimicrobial resistance genes’ was published and revised; the qualification ‘for production purposes only’ was extended to production strains or biomass; the qualification on genetic modified microorganisms (GMMs) was also extended to production strains, biomass or active agents, when the gene of concern is removed. Since 2023, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Microchloropsis gaditana , Candida oleophila , Vibrio natriegens and Agrobacterium radiobacter were recommended for QPS status with the qualification for ‘ production purposes only’ . Clostridium tyrobutyricum also but with the qualification ‘absence of genetic determinants for toxin production’ . Lacticaseibacillus huelsenbergensis and Lactobacillus paragasseri (formerly included in Lactobacillus gasseri ) were also included. Bacillus sonorensis was also recommended with the qualifications ‘ absence of bacitracin production ability ’ and ‘ absence of toxigenic activity ’. Bacillus thuringiensis was not recommended for the QPS list due to safety concerns.

Monitoring atmospheric ammonia levels (NH3) is essential for accurately assessing nitrogen deposition, especially in agricultural regions. Conventional dry deposition measurement techniques are costly, complex, and often sparsely deployed, especially in emission hotspots. This limits the empirical basis for evaluating spatial and temporal variability and uncertainty in dry deposition estimates. In this study, we evaluated a low-cost passive sampling approach to monitor vertical NH3 concentration gradients between two heights (100 cm and 180 cm) across 70 locations in the Netherlands, covering rural, semi-urban, and natural areas. We assessed whether systematically observed NH3 air concentration gradients can serve as a proxy for estimating near-surface deposition processes. Over 1600 monthly measurement sets were collected and analyzed. We observed a consistent and statistically significant vertical concentration gradient, with higher concentrations at 1.8m height than at 1.0m height. The difference (z) averaged 0.49 mu g/m3, about 4% of the overall sampling area average ambient ammonia concentration. This vertical gradient was detectable despite measurement uncertainty and a low signal-to-noise ratio. Total variability in zwas only partly explained by spatial and temporal factors, but remained largely unexplained (residual variation) and thus reflected analytical and sampling errors. Spatial and temporal variables which were related to (a higher) zwere in particular proximity to livestock farms and wind speed. Rather than providing direct flux estimates, our findings indicate that vertical NH3 gradients can function as a diagnostic, proxy for surface atmosphere exchange patterns at local scales. By demonstrating that statistically significant gradients can be detected using low-cost passive samplers when spatial coverage and replication are sufficient, this study extends previous NH3 monitoring work that has largely focused on single-height concentration measurements. Our study offers a scalable approach to empirically explore spatial variability and uncertainty in dry deposition assessments, particularly in regions with high agricultural emission where conventional flux measurements remain impractical.

Water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations is an important risk factor for microbiological cross-contamination of fruits, vegetables and herbs (FVH). Industrial data indicated that the frozen FVH sector is characterised by operational cycles between 8 and 120 h, variable product volumes and no control of the temperature of process water. Intervention strategies were limited to the use of water disinfection treatments such as peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine-based disinfectants were not used, and water replenishment was not observed within studied industries. The industrial data, which included 13 scenarios, were used to develop a guidance for a water management plan (WMP) for the frozen FVH sector. A WMP aims to maintain the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water and consists of: (a) identification of microbial hazards and hazardous events linked to process water; (b) establishment of the relationship between microbiological and physico-chemical parameters; (c) description of preventive measures; (d) description of intervention measures, including their validation, operational monitoring and verification; and (e) record keeping and trend analysis. A predictive model was used to simulate water management outcomes, highlighting the need for water disinfection treatments to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water and the added value of water replenishment. Relying solely on water replenishment (at realistic feasible rates) does not avoid microbial accumulation in the water. Operational monitoring of the physico-chemical parameters ensures that the disinfection systems are operating effectively. Verification includes microbiological analysis of the process water linked to the operational monitoring outcomes of physico-chemical parameters. Food business operators should set up and validate a tailored WMP to identify physico-chemical parameters, as well as microbial indicators and their threshold levels as performance standards for maintaining the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) process was developed to assess the safety of microorganisms used in food and feed chains. During the period covered by this Statement, no new information warranted changes to the status of previously recommended QPS taxonomic units. The QPS list was updated to verify the correctness of the names and the completeness of synonyms. Of the 47 microorganisms notified to EFSA between October 2024 and March 2025 (25 as feed additives, 7 as food enzymes or additives, 6 as novel foods, 8 as plant protection products and 1 as food contact materials), 41 were not evaluated. These latter included 11 filamentous fungi, 4 Escherichia coli and 1 Streptomyces spp. (all excluded from the QPS evaluation), and 25 already on the QPS list. Two of the other six notifications, Bacillus thuringiensis and Ensifer adhaerens, had been previously assessed. The remaining four were assessed for a possible QPS status. Bacillus sonorensis is recommended for the QPS list with the qualifications: 'absence of bacitracin production ability' and 'absence of toxigenic activity'. Vibrio natriegens is also recommended but for 'production purposes only'. Corynebacterium stationis is not recommended due to a limited body of knowledge on its occurrence in the food and feed chain and possible safety concerns in relation to human and animal health. Papilotrema terrestris is not recommended due to a limited body of knowledge. Furthermore, Lactobacillus paragasseri (formerly included in Lactobacillus gasseri) is recommended for the QPS list. The QPS approach can also be followed if the qualifications for QPS are met due to the removal of a gene(s) of concern, by means of genetic modification. For QPS yeasts, used as active agents (viable cells), the qualification 'for production purposes only' was added for when they are used as production strains or as biomass (non-viable cells).

Abstract Carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacterales (CPE) have been reported in the food chain in 14 out of 30 EU/EFTA countries. Commonly reported genes are blaVIM‐1, blaOXA‐48 and blaOXA‐181, followed by blaNDM‐5 and blaIMI‐1. Escherichia coli, target of most of the studies, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae complex and Salmonella Infantis are the most frequent CPE. E. coli isolates show a high clonal diversity. IncHI2 (blaVIM‐1 and blaOXA‐162), IncC (blaVIM‐1 and blaNDM‐1), IncX3 (blaNDM‐5 and blaOXA‐181), IncI and IncL (blaOXA‐48) plasmids are frequently reported. Most reports are from terrestrial food‐producing animals and their environments – mainly pigs, followed by bovines and poultry and with occasional reports of meat thereof (targets of the EU monitoring and follow up trace back investigations). Few studies have investigated foods of aquatic animal origin and of non‐animal origin, finding a great CPE diversity. A notable increase in the number of CPE detections has been observed, predominantly from pigs, with a surge in certain countries in 2021 (blaOXA‐181, Italy) and 2023 (blaOXA‐48, Spain; blaOXA‐181, blaOXA‐48, blaOXA‐244 and blaNDM‐5, Portugal). Very few data points to circumstantial evidence of CPE transmission, clonal and/or horizontal gene spread within the food chain and from/to humans. Various methods are used in the EU/EFTA countries to detect and characterise CPE in the food chain. Improvement of their sensitivity should be investigated. Ten out of 30 EU/EFTA countries have specific contingency plans for CPE control, being epidemiological investigations (e.g. trace‐back) a common action included in those plans. Overall, data remain scarce for the bacterial species and sources beyond those systematically monitored. Recommendations to fill data gaps on other bacterial species and sources, dissemination pathways and optimisation of detection methods are given. A One Health approach to address the drivers of CPE spread in the food chain is needed.

Abstract Water used in post‐harvest handling and processing operations is an important risk factor for microbiological cross‐contamination of fruits, vegetables and herbs (FVH). Industrial data indicated that the fresh‐cut FVH sector is characterised by process water at cooled temperature, operational cycles between 1 and 15 h, and product volumes between 700 and 3000 kg. Intervention strategies were based on water disinfection treatments mostly using chlorine‐based disinfectants. Water replenishment was not observed within studied industries. The industrial data, which included 19 scenarios were used to develop a guidance for a water management plan (WMP) for the fresh‐cut FVH sector. A WMP aims to maintain the fit‐for‐purpose microbiological quality of the process water and consists of: (a) identification of microbial hazards and hazardous events linked to process water; (b) establishment of the relationship between microbiological and physico‐chemical parameters; (c) description of preventive measures; (d) description of intervention measures, including their validation, operational monitoring and verification; and (e) record keeping and trend analysis. A predictive model was used to simulate water management outcomes, highlighting the need for water disinfection treatments to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water and the added value of water replenishment. Relying solely on water replenishment (at realistic feasible rates) does not avoid microbial accumulation in the water. Operational monitoring of the physico‐chemical parameters ensures that the disinfection systems are operating effectively. Verification includes microbiological analysis of the process water linked to the operational monitoring outcomes of physico‐chemical parameters. Although Escherichia coli and Listeria spp. could be indicators for assessing water quality, food business operators should set up and validate a tailored WMP to identify physico‐chemical parameters, as well as microbial indicators and their threshold levels, as performance standards for maintaining the fit‐for‐purpose microbiological quality of the process water during post‐harvest handling and processing operations.

A dynamic mass balance model was developed to simulate contamination dynamics in the process water of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and herbs (ffFVH) during processing and handling operations. The mass balance relates to the flux of water and product in a wash tank and the number of microbial cells released in the water, inactivated by the water disinfectant or transferred from the water back to the product. Critical variables describing microbial dynamics in water are: (i) the chemical oxygen demand (COD), as an indicator of the concentration of organic matter; (ii) free chlorine (FC) and particularly its antimicrobial fraction, hypochlorous acid (HOCl); and (iii) the microbial population levels. Model parameters include: (i) the dilution rate of the process water, representing the speed of system saturation, equal to the water flux divided by the tank volume; (ii) the transfer rates of total bacterial counts (TBC) and COD from product to water; and (iii) the specific inactivation rate of microorganisms due to HOCl. The protective effect of COD on microbial cells against FC is encompassed in the inactivation rate. HOCl is expressed as a function of temperature, pH and total chlorine. The model can simulate 'what if scenarios', based on user-defined process-specific and product/microorganism-specific parameters through a web R-based application. This model can help food business operators when selecting intervention strategies and conditions to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water or identify conditions that represent poor or proper water management practices. Testing alternative model structures and collecting data about operational conditions of handling and/or processing operations, microbial dynamics and the magnitude of the product-specific protective effect on microorganisms are recommended to improve the application of the model.

Abstract The European Commission requested EFSA to assess the effect of incineration, co‐incineration and combustion of Category 1 animal by‐products (ABP) on the BSE/TSE hazards in ash resulting from these treatments. The presence of residual TSE hazards is assessed by detection of prion infectivity or seeding activity. TSE agents or prions are challenging to inactivate completely using heat‐based methods. Different TSE strains exhibit varying degrees of thermoresistance. Based on available studies at temperatures 120–134°C, the C‐BSE strain is more thermoresistant than other evaluated strains. The vast majority of Category 1 ABP is rendered into ‘meat and bone meal’ prior to incineration/co‐incineration/combustion. Scenarios involving co‐incineration for cement production do not need to be considered because all ash is incorporated into the cement. It is not possible to generalise the time/temperature combinations to which Category 1 ABP are subjected across all processes. Due to the challenges in precisely measuring the temperature and residence time in industrial systems, and the wide range of system designs and operating conditions, it can only be assumed that Category 1 ABP are exposed to at least the legal requirements as determined by the conditions of the gas produced or injected into the process: 850°C for 2 s or 1100°C for 0.2 s. The limited sensitivity of the method used in a study involving C‐BSE at 1000°C for 20 min prevented a conclusive exclusion of residual C‐BSE prions.. Therefore, it is not possible to exclude – with high certainty (> 99%) – the presence of residual BSE/TSE hazards in ash produced from the incineration, co‐incineration or combustion of Category 1 ABP. It is recommended to generate data on the actual reduction of infectivity in ‘meat and bone meal’ spiked with thermoresistant TSE field strains after treatment with the time/temperature combinations required by the legislation or specific industry processes.

Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) emissions and depositions have been linked to negative effects on human health and biodiversity. National monitoring networks have documented large spatial variation of NH3 concentrations related to agricultural activities, including livestock pollution. Little is known about spatial and temporal variation of livestock-related ammonia concentrations in areas where residential and nature areas are located nearby intensive livestock farming. The objective of this study was to assess the spatial and temporal variability of ambient ammonia in such a mixed land-use area within the Netherlands. A dense air quality network was set up with 71 sites spanning over 1027 km2 within rural and semi-urban (small towns) areas, and nature reserves. Ambient ammonia concentrations were measured monthly with passive samplers from March 2022 to February 2024. Ammonia measurements showed large spatial and temporal variation. Spatial variation was related to the number of livestock farms in a 3000m buffer around sites and inverse distance to the nearest farm. Mean concentrations were 13.6 mu g/m3 (rural), 9.6 mu g/m3 (semi-urban) and 5.1 mu g/m3 (nature sites). Seasonal patterns, highest in spring and lowest in winter, were similar in rural, semi-urban and natural sites. The highest concentrations were observed in March 2022, coinciding with manure application and stable weather conditions. Temporal variability related to temperature, rainfall, manure application, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity. Multivariate models explained 52-80 % of the temporal variance component, depending on time period. Our spatial and temporal analyses provide further evidence that farming emissions impact NH3 concentrations both locally and at greater distances.

In the Netherlands, ammonia (NH3) emissions from livestock housing have become a major environmental concern, largely due to high density of livestock farms in certain areas of the country. After emission, NH3 settles on the ground, lowering the soil pH, leading to increased acidity and creating harmful conditions for plants. To protect biodiversity, it is essential to reduce nitrogen emissions. This study investigates the spatial variation in NH3 deposition from livestock farming in 2020 within one of the hotspot regions in the Netherlands (Foodvalley region), using a high resolution dispersion model (STACKS-D). The spatial mean NH3 deposition from livestock emissions in Foodvalley was found to be 11.14 kg/ha/year. Levels above critical deposition load (17 kg/ha/year) were mainly observed in central areas and some nature reserves. To eliminate these exceedances, we tested various livestock emission reduction scenarios. All scenarios explored were able to reduce deposition in nitrogen-sensitive nature environments significantly. Scenarios targeting stable removal in buffer zones around nature areas, as well as those focused on veal calves, dairy cattle, and laying hens sectors, were highly effective in reducing deposition with potentially smaller influence on existing livestock sectors. The annual average deposition map generated by STACKS-D demonstrated consistent spatial characteristic with 2020 large-scale deposition map, which serves as a reference for assessing pollution distribution and policy making in the Netherlands. Furthermore, a strong (∼0.8) and statistically significant correlation between modelled and measured annual mean NH3 air concentrations as observed for the period 2022-2023 indicates the model captures key spatial features.

Abstract An alternative processing method for the production of renewable fuels from rendered animal fats, pretreated using standard processing methods 1–5 or method 7 and used cooking oils, derived from Category 3 animal by‐products, was assessed. The alternative method is based on a fluidised catalytic cracking co‐processing treatment with a preheat stage by at least 145°C and a pressure of at least 1.4 barg for at least 13 s, followed by a reactor stage by at least 500°C for 2 s. The applicant selected the use of spores of pathogenic bacteria as primary indicators without carrying out a full hazard identification, which is acceptable as per previous EFSA evaluations. The EFSA BIOHAZ Panel considers that the application and supporting literature contain sufficient evidence to support that the alternative method can achieve a reduction of at least 12 log10 of C. botulinum spores and 5 log10 of the spores of other pathogenic bacteria. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan contained some inadequacies: the reception of raw materials should be considered a prerequisite (with acceptance criteria) rather than a critical control point and quantitative limits for temperature and holding time at the reactor should be defined. The information provided by the applicant suggests that appropriate corrective actions are in place for dealing with risks associated with interdependent processes and with the intended end use of the products. The applicant also considers as part of the alternative processing method the operation under an unplanned shutdown. EFSA only assesses the alternative processing methods under normal operating conditions. Thus, the procedures under an unplanned shutdown were not assessed as part of the alternative processing method. Overall, the alternative method under evaluation is considered equivalent to the processing methods currently approved in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011.

Ammonia (NH3) and primary PM10 emitted by livestock production affect health and biodiversity, making their reduction essential. Quantities of emitted NH3 and PM10 vary across different livestock species, potentially leading to different regional spatial patterns of NH3 and PM10. This complicates the development of effective mitigation strategies. This study aims to provide insight into how different livestock production animals affect spatial patterns of NH3 and PM10. The study area of similar to 40 x 50 km2 encompassed a livestock-dense area with similar to 2000 farms, several residential clusters and nature parks in the Netherlands. Spatial concentration patterns were predicted for similar to 100,000 receptor points on a 100 x 100 m(2) grid using a dispersion model based on farm emissions. Model assumptions were evaluated through sensitivity analyses. Livestock production emissions significantly increased local levels of NH3 and more moderately elevated local levels of PM10. Spatial concentration patterns were strongly driven by geospatial distributions of farms as well as livestock species, with elevated concentrations observed in areas where farms were densely clustered. The distribution of farm contributions to total NH3 concentrations at receptor points was characterized by numerous small contributions from multiple farms across the study area. Concentrations were higher in rural parts of the study area and characterized by the combination of these small contributions with a few large contributions from nearby farms. Inclusion of farms in a wide radius was especially important for modelling NH3 concentrations in nature areas. These findings imply that generic reduction of livestock farm emissions should be investigated for the formulation of mitigation strategies.

Abstract A new alternative method for the processing of entire bodies or body parts of pet animals (Category 1 animal by‐products (ABPs)) was assessed. The method consists of an alkaline hydrolysis process under atmospheric pressure carried out in a batch system within a stainless‐steel container at temperatures higher than 95.5°C for more than 14 h. Prions are the most resistant biological hazards potentially present in the material to be treated. The proposed method was assessed by the BIOHAZ Panel for its efficacy in achieving a reduction in prion infectivity by at least 6 log10 to be considered equivalent to the processing method laid down in Point A Section 2 Chapter IV Annex IV of Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011. The application focusses on demonstrating the capacity of the alternative method to inactivate prions by providing evidence from two studies applying matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry to show the absence of peptides larger than 3 kDa after the treatment. The BIOHAZ Panel considers that these studies do not provide direct or indirect experimental evidence that the quantitative reduction of prion infectivity is achieved by the alternative method. Therefore, in the absence of quantitative estimation of prion infectivity reduction, the alternative method cannot be considered equivalent to the approved alkaline hydrolysis process.

Excessive nitrogen deposition is a major problem in nature areas, causing soil acidification and eutrophication, which reduces biodiversity. In the Netherlands, most nitrogen originates from ammonia emissions related to agriculture. This study investigates how various ammonia emission reduction strategies affect spatial patterns of livestock-related ambient ammonia levels, focusing on nature areas near a livestock-dense region. The aim is to provide insights into effects of interventions on environmental exposure levels and efficiency of mitigation strategies. Using dispersion modeling, annual average patterns of ambient ammonia levels were estimated per scenario, considering emissions from approximately 4500 farms. Results indicate that scenarios involving significant reductions in ammonia emissions (54-86 %), achieved through technical or management modifications or farm removal, result in substantial reductions (62-87 %) in ambient ammonia levels within nature areas. Targeted strategies aimed at specific sectors that contribute most to ammonia levels in nature areas achieved relatively modest absolute reductions (8-13 %) but generally higher efficiency compared to more generic approaches. Scenario efficiency, defined as the ratio between emission/concentration reduction, varied considerably from 0.5 to 1.3. This variations underscores the importance of assessing spatial ammonia patterns rather than focusing and relying solely on emission reduction expressed in terms of total mass. The efficiency of reduction strategies depends on the geographical distribution of (sector-specific) farms near nature areas, and emission height from these farms. Therefore, combined strategies explicitly targeting these factors, such as integrating spatially focused measures (e.g., zoning) with generic emission reductions, are expected most effective in reducing ammonia concentrations in nature areas.

Water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations is an important risk factor for microbiological cross-contamination of fruits, vegetables and herbs (FVH). Industrial data indicated that the fresh-whole FVH sector is characterised by very variable operational cycle duration (between 8 and 900 h), large product volumes (e.g. more than 6000 tonnes) and process water at 2.8-25.0°C. Intervention strategies were based on water disinfection treatments, mostly using chlorine-based disinfectants. Water replenishment was not observed within studied industries. The industrial data, which included 29 scenarios were used to develop a guidance for a water management plan (WMP) for the fresh-whole FVH sector. A WMP aims to maintain the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water and consists of (a) identification of microbial hazards and hazardous events linked to process water; (b) establishment of the relationship between microbiological and physico-chemical parameters; (c) description of preventive measures; (d) description of intervention measures, including their validation, operational monitoring and verification; and (e) record keeping and trend analysis. A predictive model was used to simulate water management outcomes, highlighting the need for water disinfection treatments to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water and the added value of water replenishment. Relying solely on water replenishment (at realistic feasible rates) does not avoid microbial accumulation in the water. Operational monitoring of the physico-chemical parameters ensures that the disinfection systems are operating effectively. Verification includes microbiological analysis of the process water linked to the operational monitoring outcomes of physico-chemical parameters. Food business operators (FBOps) should set up and validate a tailored WMP to identify physico-chemical parameters, as well as microbial indicators and their threshold levels, as performance standards for maintaining the fit-for-purpose microbiological quality of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations.

The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) process was developed to provide a safety assessment approach for microorganisms intended for use in food or feed chains. In the period covered by this statement, no new information was found that would change the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. The TUs in the QPS list were updated based on a verification, against their respective authoritative databases, of the correctness of the names and completeness of synonyms. A new procedure has been established to ensure the TUs are kept up to date in relation to recent taxonomical insights. Of 83 microorganisms notified to EFSA between October 2023 and March 2024 (47 as feed additives, 25 as food enzymes or additives, 11 as novel foods), 75 were not evaluated because: 15 were filamentous fungi, 1 was Enterococcus faecium, 10 were Escherichia coli, 1 was a Streptomyces (all excluded from the QPS evaluation) and 48 were TUs that already have a QPS status. Two of the other eight notifications were already evaluated for a possible QPS status in the previous Panel Statement: Heyndrickxia faecalis (previously Weizmannia faecalis) and Serratia marcescens. One was notified at genus level so could not be assessed for QPS status. The other five notifications belonging to five TUs were assessed for possible QPS status. Akkermansia muciniphila and Actinomadura roseirufa were still not recommended for QPS status due to safety concerns. Rhizobium radiobacter can be recommended for QPS status with the qualification for production purposes. Microbacterium arborescens and Burkholderia stagnalis cannot be included in the QPS list due to a lack of body of knowledge for its use in the food and feed chain and for B. stagnalis also due to safety concerns. A. roseirufa and B. stagnalis have been excluded from further QPS assessment.