FERISE

17-11-2018

Assessment of genetically modified soybean MON 89788 for renewal of authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐011)

Published on: Fri, 16 Nov 2018 Following the submission of application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐011 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Monsanto Europe, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (GMO Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific risk assessment on the data submitted in the context of the renewal of authorisation application for the herbicide‐tolerant genetically modified soybean MON 89788, for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation within the European Union....

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

15-11-2018

Assessment of genetically modified LLCotton25 for renewal of authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐010)

Published on: Wed, 14 Nov 2018 Following the submission of application EFSA‐GMO‐RX‐010 under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 from Bayer, the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms of the European Food Safety Authority (GMO Panel) was asked to deliver a scientific risk assessment on the data submitted in the context of the renewal of authorisation application for the herbicide‐tolerant genetically modified LLCotton25, for food and feed uses, import and processing, excluding cultivation within the EU. The d...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

15-11-2018

Assessment of genetically modified maize MZHG0JG for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA‐GMO‐DE‐2016‐133)

Published on: Wed, 14 Nov 2018 The scope of application EFSA‐GMO‐DE‐2016‐133 is for food and feed uses, import and processing of genetically modified (GM) maize MZHG0JG in the European Union. Maize MZHG0JG was developed to confer tolerance to the herbicidal active substances glyphosate and glufosinate‐ammonium. The molecular characterisation data and bioinformatic analyses do not identify issues requiring food/feed safety assessment. None of the identified differences in the agronomic/phenotypic and com...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

15-11-2018

Safety and efficacy of Monimax® (monensin sodium and nicarbazin) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying

Published on: Wed, 14 Nov 2018 The coccidiostat Monimax® (monensin sodium and nicarbazin) is considered safe for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying at the highest use level of 50 mg monensin and 50 mg nicarbazin/kg complete feed. This conclusion is extended to chickens reared for laying. For both active substances, the metabolic pathways in the chicken are similar to those in the turkey and rat. Nicarbazin, when ingested, is rapidly split in its two components dinitrocarbanilide (DNC)...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

9-11-2018

Sargassum seaweed: limit the exposure of residents and workers to hydrogen sulphide

Since August 2014, the French Caribbean and French Guiana have been experiencing successive waves of Sargassum seaweed washing up on their coastlines. Despite the efforts made to clean it up, the seaweed decomposes in situ. This leads to the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can sometimes be detected at high concentrations. Doctors' reports concerning the health effects suffered by people exposed to H2S, and complaints from the general public relating to the problem of odours, have increased s...

France - Agence Nationale du Médicament Vétérinaire

5-11-2018

Products containing metam-sodium: ANSES announces the withdrawal of marketing authorisations

Plant protection products containing metam-sodium are used in market gardening and horticulture to disinfect the soil. Following the substance's approval at European level, ANSES reassessed the dossiers and notified the industrial companies concerned of its intention to withdraw all marketing authorisations for metam-sodium products. ANSES is also taking this opportunity to reiterate the importance of phytopharmacovigilance and the requirement for professionals to report any adverse effects on humans or ...

France - Agence Nationale du Médicament Vétérinaire

31-10-2018

Safety and efficacy of a super critical carbon dioxide extract of Humulus lupulus L. flos when used as a feed flavouring for all animal species

Published on: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100 Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a super critical carbon dioxide extract of Humulus lupulus L. flos (hop strobiles) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The additive is specified to containing 40% beta acids and less than 0.2% alpha acids. Known substances of conce...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

31-10-2018

Efficacy of Bergazym® P100 (endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets

Published on: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100 The product Bergazym® P100 contains a xylanase which is produced by a non‐genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei. The additive is available in a coated granular form and it is intended to be used as a zootechnical additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for chickens for fattening, and weaned piglets at the dose of 1,500 EPU/kg feed. The production strain and the additive were fully characterised in a previous assessment of the Panel o...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

31-10-2018

Safety and efficacy of Lactobacillus hilgardii CNCM I‐4785 and Lactobacillus buchneri CNCM I‐4323/NCIMB 40788 as a silage additive for all animal species

Published on: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100 Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a strain of Lactobacillus hilgardii and of Lactobacillus buchneri when used as a technological additive intended to improve ensiling at a proposed application rate of 3.0 x 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh material. The two bacterial species are considered by EFS...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

26-10-2018

Multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes sequence type 8 infections linked to consumption of salmon products

Published on: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200 A multi-country outbreak of 12 listeriosis cases caused by Listeria monocytogenes sequence type (ST) 8 has been identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis in three EU/EEA countries: Denmark (6 cases), Germany (5) and France (1). Four of these cases have died due to or with the disease. It is likely that the extent of this outbreak has been underestimated since the outbreak was identified through sequencing and only a subset of the EU/EEA count...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

26-10-2018

Safety and efficacy of l‐threonine produced by fermentation using Escherichia coli CGMCC 7.232 for all animal species

Published on: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200 The product subject of this assessment is l‐threonine produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli (CGMCC 7.232). It is intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The production strain and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the additive. The product l‐threonine, manufactured by fermentation with E. coli CGMCC 7.232, does not raise any safety concern with regard to the gen...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

24-10-2018

Safety and efficacy of Hostazym® X (endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase) as a feed additive for sows in order to have benefit in piglets

Published on: Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of HOSTAZYM® X as a feed additive for sows in order to have benefit in piglets. The additive HOSTAZYM® X contains endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase and is available in liquid and solid formulations. This product is authorised as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, tu...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

18-10-2018

Trump Administration Launches “Winning on Reducing Food Waste” Initiative

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the signing of a joint agency formal agreement under the "Winning on Reducing Food Waste" initiative.

FDA - U.S. Food and Drug Administration

17-10-2018

Lumpy skin disease: scientific and technical assistance on control and surveillance activities

Published on: Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0200 The duration of the vaccination campaign sufficient to eliminate lumpy skin disease (LSD) mainly depends on the vaccination effectiveness and coverage achieved. By using a spread epidemiological model, assuming a vaccination effectiveness of 65%, with 50% and 90% coverage, 3 and 4 years campaigns, respectively, are needed to eliminate LSD. When vaccination effectiveness is 80% to 95%, 2 years of vaccination at coverage of 90% is sufficient to eliminate LSD vir...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

8-10-2018

Public consultation: Guidance on feed additives and the environment

Public consultation: Guidance on feed additives and the environment

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Press Releases & News Stories

2-10-2018

"The environment has a real impact on the risk of cancer, although it remains difficult to assess": three questions for Professor Gérard Lasfargues, Managing Director General of the Science for Expertise Division

Despite medical advances, cancer remains the leading cause of death in France.  While active smoking, alcohol consumption and an unbalanced diet continue to be the main causes of cancer mortality, the environment has a real impact on the risk of cancer, although it remains difficult to assess.

France - Agence Nationale du Médicament Vétérinaire

28-9-2018

Avian influenza overview May – August 2018

Published on: Thu, 27 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Between 16 May and 15 August 2018, three highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) outbreaks in poultry establishments and three HPAI A(H5N6) outbreaks in wild birds were reported in Europe. Three low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) outbreaks were reported in three Member States. Few HPAI and LPAI bird cases have been detected in this period of the year, in accordance with the seasonal expected pattern of LPAI and HPAI. There is no evidence to date ...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

22-9-2018

Risk assessment of new sequencing information on genetically modified carnation FLO‐40689‐6

Published on: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200 The GMO Panel has previously assessed genetically modified (GM) carnation FLO‐40689‐6 and concluded that there is no scientific reason to consider that the import, distribution and retailing in the EU of carnation FLO‐40689‐6 cut flowers for ornamental use will cause any adverse effects on human health or the environment. On 27 October 2017, the European Commission requested EFSA to analyse new nucleic acid sequencing data and updated bioinformatics data for...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

22-9-2018

Risk assessment of new sequencing information for genetically modified soybean BPS‐CV127‐9

Published on: Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0200 The GMO Panel has previously assessed genetically modified (GM) soybean BPS‐CV127‐9. This soybean was found to be as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterpart and commercial soybean varieties with respect to potential effects on human and animal health and the environment in the context of its intended uses. On 16 February 2018, European Commission requested EFSA to analyse new nucleic acid sequencing data and updated bioinformatics data for GM soy...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

18-9-2018

Synthetic pitches: the expert assessments currently available conclude that the risks to health are negligible

In recent years, the increasing use of tyre granulates for sports pitches and playgrounds has raised concerns about their potential impact on health and the environment. ANSES has analysed the studies and expert assessments currently available on this topic and reports the main findings regarding the potential risks associated with the use or installation of synthetic pitches. The existing studies conclude that the health risks are of little concern, but point to potential risks to the environment.

France - Agence Nationale du Médicament Vétérinaire

14-9-2018

Development of an automated multienzymatic biosensor for risk assessment of pesticide contamination in water and food

Published on: Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 The goal of this research is to better address the problems related to the widespread presence of pesticides in the environment. Despite the unquestionable utility of the pesticides against various pests in the agricultural field, most pesticides and the corresponding pesticide residues are toxic to the environment and hazardous to human health. The recent literature on organophosphate compounds emphasises a clear correlation between their use and the occurr...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

11-9-2018

Risk assessment of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain through culture‐independent methodologies

Published on: Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major challenge for Public Health and the scientific community, and requires immediate and drastic solutions. Acquired resistance to certain antimicrobials is already widespread to such an extent that their efficacy in the treatment of certain life‐threatening infections is already compromised. To date, the emergence and spread of AMR has been attributed to the use, misuse or indiscriminate use of antibiotics as th...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

11-9-2018

Assessment of occupational and dietary exposure to pesticide residues

Published on: Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Plant protection products (PPPs) are pesticides containing at least one active substance that drives specific actions against pests (diseases). PPPs are regulated in the EU and cannot be placed on the market or used without prior authorisation. EFSA assesses the possible risks of the use of active substances to humans and environment. Member States decide whether or not to approve their use at EU level. Furthermore, Member States decide at national level on ...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

4-9-2018

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Elmiron, pentosan polysulfate sodium, Revision: 4, Authorised

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

29-8-2018

Scientific Opinion on the state of the art of Toxicokinetic/Toxicodynamic (TKTD) effect models for regulatory risk assessment of pesticides for aquatic organisms

Published on: Thu, 23 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues (PPR) developed an opinion on the state of the art of Toxicokinetic/Toxicodynamic (TKTD) models and their use in prospective environmental risk assessment (ERA) for pesticides and aquatic organisms. TKTD models are species‐ and compound‐specific and can be used to predict (sub)lethal effects of pesticides under untested (time‐variable) exposure conditions. Three differen...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

29-8-2018

Explanatory note on the determination of newly expressed protein levels in the context of genetically modified plant applications for EU market authorisation

Published on: Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 Genetically modified organisms are subject to a risk assessment and regulatory approval before entering the European market. According to legislation (Directive 2001/18/EC, Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 and Regulation (EU) No 503/2013) and the EFSA guidance documents on the risk assessment of food and feed from genetically modified (GM) plants and on the environmental risk assessment of GM plants, applicants need to perform a molecular characterisation of any...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

29-8-2018

Protocol for the scientific opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of dietary sugars

Published on: Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0200 In June 2016, EFSA received a mandate from the national food competent authorities of five European countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) to provide a dietary reference value (DRV) for sugars, with particular attention to added sugars. A draft protocol was developed with the aim of defining as much as possible beforehand the strategy that will be applied for collecting data, appraising the relevant evidence, and analysing and integrating t...

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority Publications

28-8-2018

Accord Healthcare Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets USP 12.5 Mg Due to Labeling Mix-up

A 100 count bottle of Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets USP 12.5 mg has been found to contain 100 Spironolactone Tablets USP 25 mg. Since the individual lot, PW05264, of the product is involved in a potential mix-up of labeling, Accord is recalling this individual lot from the market.

FDA - U.S. Food and Drug Administration

21-8-2018

Orphan designation: Deferiprone, for the: Treatment of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

14-8-2018

Koehler-Bright Star recalls WorkSafe 3-D cell flashlights

The flashlights are missing an encapsulation on the circuit board component which could allow the flashlight to ignite in an explosive environment, posing a burn hazard and risk of personal injury to the user or bystander.

Health Canada

31-7-2018

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Qarziba (previously Dinutuximab beta EUSA and Dinutuximab beta Apeiron), dinutuximab beta, Revision: 4, Authorised

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

6-7-2018

Revocation of S-classification status for certain medicinal products: lists

The Icelandic Medicines Agency (IMA) has decided to revoke the S-classified status of medicinal products that have also been used outside the hospital  environment as well as for products which are now not considered to be limited to hospital use.

IMA - Icelandic Medicines Agency

30-5-2018

Climate change and health

Climate change is a reality on which there is broad consensus in the scientific community. Because of the inertia of the climate system, changes to the climate related to human activities will continue for many years, regardless of any measures taken today. Combating climate change, which is part of a more global environmental change, is therefore essential to limit its magnitude.

France - Agence Nationale du Médicament Vétérinaire

8-5-2018

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Elmiron, pentosan polysulfate sodium, Revision: 3, Authorised

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

2-5-2018

Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Velphoro, mixture of polynuclear iron(III)-oxyhydroxide, sucrose and starches, Revision: 5, Authorised

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

30-4-2018

Scientific guideline: Guideline on assessing the environmental and human health risks of veterinary medicinal products in groundwater, adopted

Europe - EFSA - European Food Safety Authority EFSA Journal

22-10-2018

Velphoro (Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma France)

Velphoro (Active substance: mixture of polynuclear iron(iii)-oxyhydroxide, sucrose and starches) - Centralised - Yearly update - Commission Decision (2018)6972 of Mon, 22 Oct 2018

Europe -DG Health and Food Safety

14-9-2018

Altizide / spironolactone: List of nationally authorised medicinal products - PSUSA/00002781/201801

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

11-9-2018

Focus group meeting on dose optimisation of established veterinary antibiotics in the context of summary of product characteristics harmonisation, European Medicines Agency, London, UK, From: 12-Oct-2018, To: 12-Oct-2018

This meeting will allow a direct exchange of views between the Agency’s working party and stakeholders on its draft reflection paper on dose optimisation of established veterinary antibiotics in the context of summary of product characteristics (SPC) harmonisation (EMA/CVMP/849775/2017). It complements the public consultation on this reflection paper ending on 31 January 2019. The reflection paper follows considerations in the report on a pilot project that aimed to develop and test non-experimental appr...

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency

27-7-2018

Scientific guideline: Reflection paper on dose optimisation of established veterinary antibiotics in the context of summary of product characteristics (SPC) harmonisation, draft: consultation open

Established veterinary antibiotics are not always used at the authorised dose, and the dose may need to be reviewed in order to maintain their effectiveness whilst limiting the risks of antimicrobial resistance. Before a new dose is introduced, the company would typically have to conduct new studies to ensure it does not negatively affect the safety of the target animal, the consumer of animal produce, or the environment. This may reduce product availability, which could have a negative impact on antimic...

Europe - EMA - European Medicines Agency