European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the European Union agency responsible for advising on food safety. Located in Parma, Italy, EFSA establishes risk assessments and provides scientific advice on issues related to food and feed safety, including plant protection and animal health.

Key Role and Responsibilities

EFSA's mission is to provide independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks. It is a cornerstone of EU regulations on food safety, working closely with national authorities and stakeholders.

Recent Approval of Bovaer

In a significant development, EFSA has approved Bovaer, a novel feed additive developed to mitigate methane emissions produced by dairy cows. This approval is pivotal, indicating that Bovaer is both safe for animals and effective in reducing methane emissions, thus contributing to the EU's sustainability goals.

Bovaer and Its Impact

Bovaer, produced by DSM, works by inhibiting an enzyme that triggers methane production during digestion in cows. Studies have shown that the additive can cut methane emissions by up to 30%, marking a substantial advancement in efforts to combat climate change as agriculture accounts for a significant portion of anthropogenic methane emissions.

Prospects and Implications

With approval from EFSA, Bovaer can now be incorporated into dairy cattle diets across Europe. This is expected to bolster sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the environmental footprint of the dairy industry.

Sources

• EFSA official communications
• DSM press releases and scientific reports on Bovaer
• EU policy documents on agriculture and climate change

Modified: 2025/02/02

---