Circular future: EFSA focused on emerging feed sources and risks

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EFSA is running a two-year pilot project aimed at identifying emerging risks to food, feed, and environmental safety, in the transition to a circular economy.

In that context, it is calling on policymakers, practitioners, and parties from along the feed value chain to participate in an online event it is organizing on 9-10 June, 2022.

The involvement of stakeholders is key to steer the evolution of the pilot project and contribute to its deliverables, said the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The initiative is focused on gathering and evaluating the evidence for vulnerabilities in a circular economy in relation to food and feed safety. The June meeting, which is virtual, will focus on feed.

“This event occurs in the context of a foresight participatory process in which stakeholders will be engaged in supporting the identification of future trends and technologies that may drive the emergence of risks for feed safety and animal health in the transition to a circular economy,” said the Parma-based food and feed risk assessor.

The overall goal of the online meeting, it said, is to identify new hazards, and exposure pathways or knowledge gaps to be further explored, focusing on the use of food waste, former food products, and food processing by-products in feed.

“The outcome of the workshop will be a list of emerging issues and risks associated with novel and more sustainable feed sources and technologies, which will be further characterized by EFSA in cooperation with its partners’ network.”

Structure of the meeting

The foresight event will run online, and it will be professionally facilitated to enable an open exchange among participants. The agenda will alternate plenary and breakout sessions to foster interactivity and engagement, said EFSA.

The event is open to policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from along the feed value chain, as well as scientists and experts in emerging risks identification, risk assessment and foresight who will be selected among the registrants, it added.

“Practitioners and stakeholders from along the feed value chain will network and exchange views with peers on their current experience, future trends, and emerging risks. They will gain insights into circular sustainability strategies, the policy context, and the implications for adapting their operations and enhancing their business performance.”

The list of participants, presentations, meeting documents and outcomes will be made publicly available on the EFSA website after the event.