Reply on the EFSA the risk assessment of microorganisms used in the food chain

On December 2nd 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released its “Draft guidance on the characterisation and risk assessment of microorganisms in the food chain”, inviting public comment. The COGEM generally concurs with the guidelines but has proposed several improvements. Among the recommendations is a call for mandatory complete genome sequencing for all microorganisms, with no special exceptions for protists and microalgae. Additionally, it suggests that the risk assessment should take into account the quantities of microorganisms introduced into the environment.