Catalogue of AMR Genes in Bacillus Species: EFSA’s Bioinformatics Risk Assessment

EFSA Risk Assessment on Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Bacillus Species

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is conducting an ongoing risk assessment under mandate number M-2023-00125, as outlined in question number EFSA-Q-2023-00741. The aim of this assessment is to create a catalogue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) genes found in species of the genus Bacillus.

Update as of July 3, 2024

• The output of the assessment was approved on July 3, 2024.
• The deadline for completing the risk assessment was set for June 30, 2024.

Scope and Methodology

• The primary focus of this assessment is the development of a comprehensive catalogue of AMR genes in Bacillus
• This task is being carried out using a bioinformatic tool that adheres to EFSA’s established criteria for distinguishing between intrinsic and acquired AMR genes.
• The assessment process is categorized under scientific and technical assistance, specifically Article 31, and falls within the scope of a generic mandate according to Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002.

Mandate Details

• The mandate for this task was received and accepted by EFSA on November 16, 2023.

45) Title: Food Information and Labeling Requirements – Control Wiki Overview

Regulatory Information on Food Safety through Proper Information and Labeling

This document provides crucial details regarding food information and labeling requirements in compliance with both Swedish Food Agency guidelines and EU regulations. The aim is to ensure that food safety is upheld through accurate and transparent information that allows consumers to make informed decisions.

Purpose of Food Information and Labeling

• The primary purpose of food information and labeling is to ensure consumer safety, prevent deception about food content, and enable consumers to make informed choices based on health, financial, environmental, social, and ethical considerations.

Legislation

• The key legislation governing food information and labeling is Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers. This is supported by other EU regulations and specific regulations from the Swedish Food Agency, which cover various aspects of food labeling.

Language Requirements

• Mandatory food information must be provided in Swedish or in a language that is easily understood by consumers in Sweden.
• Voluntary information may also require translation into Swedish to avoid misleading consumers.

Visibility and Accessibility

• Mandatory food information must be easily visible and accessible, regardless of whether the food is prepackaged or not.
• This information should not be obscured by other text or images and must be presented in a font size that ensures readability.

Specific Labeling Requirements

• Certain key details, such as the designation of the food, net quantity, and alcohol content for drinks over 1.2% by volume, must be presented within the same field of view on the packaging.
• There are also specific labeling requirements for non-prepackaged foods.

Food Labeling Information System (FLIS)

• The Food Labeling Information System (FLIS) is a tool developed by the European Commission to assist businesses in creating mandatory food information for labeling within the EU.
• It includes links to relevant legislation and guidelines but does not have any legal effect on its own.

Updates and Implementation

• New provisions, in the form of delegated acts and implementing acts with application regulations, are gradually added to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.
• These new regulations must be implemented from April 1st following the adoption of a new legal act.

Scope

However, there are exceptions, such as when a class sells home-baked prepackaged buns at a school bazaar, which does not require mandatory information labeling.

The rules apply to food business operators at all stages of the food chain where providing food information to consumers is part of the business.

Source: https://open.efsa.europa.eu/questions/##~https://open.efsa.europa.eu/questions/EFSA-Q-2023-00741?foodDomains=Contaminants_Food+Improvement+Agents_GMO_Novel+Foods_Multi-sectorial+risk+assessment_Nutrition&lastUpdatedMaxDate=09%2F07%2F2024&lastUpdatedMinDate=03%2F07%2F2024

Region: European Union