EFSA updates scientific advice on use of Bacillus species in feed
EFSA provides applicants with guidance on how to conduct safety assessment of feed additives containing or produced from Bacillus species A subdivision of the genus, a species is a group of closely related and similar-looking organisms; for example, in the case of Homo sapiens (humans), the second part of the name (sapiens) represents the species..
Bacillus species are bacteria commonly used in feed as probiotics or as sources of other feed additives. Some strains produce toxins that can cause food-borne diseases in humans, producing symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting.
This Guidance Document, an update of the advice issued in 2011, establishes criteria to distinguish hazardous from non-hazardous strains. EFSA proposes that applicants use in vitro Research method which involves testing cells or tissues extracted from living organisms. cell-based methods to assess the capacity of the strains to produce toxins. EFSA’s experts will review new scientific knowledge and approaches should they become available.
A public consultation on the draft Guidance launched in 2013 ensured that the widest possible range of scientific views and information were considered before its finalisation.