The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, provides objective scientific advice on all matters with a direct or indirect impact on food and feed safety, including animal health and welfare and plant protection.

EFSA’s activities on animal welfare are carried out by the scientific panel on Animal Health and WelfareWelfare A complex and dynamic internal state that includes: successful biologic functioning, positive experiences, and absence of negative conditions. The animal adapts effectively to internal needs and external stimuli and maintains a good mental state. (AHAW). On request from the European Commission the AHAW produced an opinion related to the aspects of the biology and welfare of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes. Relevant in terms of humane endpoints is chapter 4 (humane methods of killing animals) of this document.

More information

More information about EFSA and animal welfare can be found on the website of EFSA.