Brussels , 9 June 2015
Introduction
EFSA’s Animal and Plant Health (ALPHA) Unit is organising a technical info session with stakeholders to present its guidance on the assessment criteria for studies evaluating the effectiveness of stunning interventions regarding animal protection at the time of killing.
Objectives of the meeting
The overall aim of the meeting is to present and explain the content of the EFSA’s guidance mentioned above.
Topics that will be covered include:
- Overview of the legal framework (Annex I of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009);
- Steps followed by EFSA in the evaluation of studies (eligibility criteria, reporting and methodological quality).
Structure of the meeting
Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback and to participate in the various discussions. EFSA will issue a short report collecting and summarising the discussions following the meeting. The report will be published on this page, together with the presentations given.
Who should attend?
The technical meeting is intended for all interested stakeholders with expertise in the area of stunning methodologies. Participation is limited to a maximum of 80 participants, including speakers and other experts already identified by EFSA. Participants will be selected to ensure a sufficient representation of the various fields of expertise, as well as representation of small and medium enterprises and geographical balance.
On-line registrations
The registrations for this event are now closed.
Logistic information
The meeting will be held in Brussels, Belgium, on 9 June from 10:00-17:00. Further details on the venue and logistics will be communicated to applicants selected to participate following the closure of registrations. English will be the official language of the event, no translation will be provided.
There is no fee for participation however you will be required to cover expenses related to your travel and accommodation.
Context
Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing defines ‘stunning’ in Article 2 (f) as ‘any intentionally induced process which causes loss of consciousness and sensibility without pain, including any process resulting in instantaneous death’. Annex I of the Regulation lists the currently included stunning methods and related specifications. Article 4 (2) of the Regulation allows the Commission to amend Annex I to take into account scientific and technical progress on the basis of an EFSA opinion. Any such amendments shall ensure a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the existing methods.
