Biological Hazards
The Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) provides scientific advice on biological hazards in relation to food safety and food-borne diseases. This covers animal diseases transmissible to humans; transmissible spongiform encephalopathies; food microbiology; food hygiene and associated waste management issues.
BIOHAZ Panel Members are scientists from across Europe with expertise in:
- Epidemiology of food borne zoonoses (Salmonella, Campylobacter, etc)
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Processing of animal by-products
- Food-borne viruses
- Meat inspection in all food-producing species
- Food hygiene and microbiology
- Microbiological criteria
- Biological risks associated with composite products, and with fresh produce;
- Decontamination of meat carcasses (antimicrobial treatments)
- Quantitative microbiological risk assessment
- TSEs (epidemiology, pathology, diagnostic, exposure assessment).
Panel Members
Plenary meetings
Networks
What are EFSA's networks?
EFSA’s networks consist of nationally appointed EU Member State organisations with expertise in the fields covered by the network. Representatives of the Commission and of other organisations (including those from outside the EU) with specific expertise may also be invited to participate in the work of EFSA Networks.
Networks are chaired by EFSA and supported by relevant EFSA units. Their aim is to facilitate scientific cooperation in the field of EFSA’s mission by:
- coordinating activities,
- exchanging information,
- developing and implementing joint projects,
- and exchanging expertise and best practices.
- Decision concerning the establishment and operation of European Networks of scientific organisations operating in the fields within the Authority’s mission(35.46 KB)
BSE-TSE
Set up to strengthen the scientific cooperation on BSE-TSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) issues, reduce the duplication of activities and hence avoid divergence of opinion.
- Terms of reference last updated: 30 January 2024
- List of members last updated: 15 December 2023
Microbiological risk assessment
Established to strengthen the scientific cooperation on microbiological risk assessment, anticipate and reduce the duplication of activities and hence avoid divergence of opinion.
- Terms of reference last updated: 12 February 2024
- List of members last updated: 20 December 2023
Working groups
Australian microbiological monitoring programme (EFSA-Q-2023-00058)
BIOHAZ WG on applications for alternative methods of use or disposal of animal by-products or derived products
BS AMR aquaculture
Parasites in fishery products (EFSA-Q-2023-00090)
Persistence of microbiological hazards (EFSA-Q-2022-00217)
Ruminant Collagen and Gelatine (EFSA-Q-2023-00059)
Vibrio in seafood (EFSA-Q-2022-00826)
Water in post-harvest processing ffFVHs (EGSA-Q-2021-00374)
WG on the update of the list of QPS recommended biological agents intentionally added to food or feed as notified to EFSA (2020-22)
Closed working groups
ABPs - colostrum treatment by microfiltration
Alternative method ECN tunnel composting (Q-2019-00583)
Alternative method for production of biodiesel from processed fats derived from category 1, 2 and 3 animal by products (EFSA-Q-2019-00432)
AMR and GP feed residues (EFSA-Q-2019-00221)
AMR Milk Feed calves (EFSA-Q-2015-00611)
Analysis of the baseline survey on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods
Analysis of the baseline survey on Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods: Subgroup on predictive models for Listeria growth
Analytical methods for biological agents
Application for a revision of the annual monitoring programme for BSE from Norway
Application for new alternative biodiesel process for rendered fat of Cat 1 (EFSA-Q-2017-00136)
Assessment of ABPs
Atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
Atypical Scrapie Surveillance (EFSA-Q-2020-00662)
Bioreduction
BSE - Croatia
BSE cases born after the total feed ban (EFSA-Q-2016-00350)
BSE risk in bovine intestine and mesentery
Carbapenem resistance in food animal ecosystems
Chronic Wasting Disease - CWD - (EFSA-Q-2016-00387; EFSA-Q-2016-00411)
Clarification on the scientific opinion on the public health risks related to the maintenance of the cold chain during storage and transport of meat
Date Marking (EFSA-Q-2019-00438-439)
Delayed meat inspection (EFSA-Q-2019-00124)
Development of risk ranking tool
Dyes in aquaculture
Available soon
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of cattle
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of farmed game
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of poultry
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of poultry: Subgroup on case studies
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of poultry: Subgroup on ESBL
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of small ruminants
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of small ruminants: Subgroup on Mycobacteria
Epidemiological indicators for meat inspection of solipeds
European baseline survey of norovirus in oysters
Available soon