February 3, 2016

EU commits 32.5 million euros for feed safety

The European Commission has awarded a total of €32.5 million (US$35.5 million) for the years 2016 and 2017, to support the 43 EU Reference Laboratories (EU-RLs) designated for food and feed safety, as well as animal health. 

The EC said EU RLs provide essential scientific and technical support, as well as advice on improved laboratory techniques, to the national laboratories in the member states, including developing analytical laboratory methods, organising know-how tests and training of member states’ laboratory staffs.

The area of the EU RLs' specialised activity ranges from pesticides and GMOs to animal health issues and food product testing.

The EC said the assistance the EU RLs provide to member states ensures high-quality and uniform testing and controls when applying EU food and feed legislation. "The ultimate goal of this network, unique in the world, is to ensure the highest level of food safety for all European citizens", it said.