EFSA's New Guidance on Read-Across: A Landmark for Food & Feed Safety and Why Our Training Aligns Perfectly
- Elena Fioravanzo
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has taken a significant step forward in chemical safety assessment with the publication of its new "Guidance on the use of read‐across for chemical safety assessment in food and feed." This document, adopted on July 2, 2025, represents a crucial development for risk assessors and industry professionals, providing a systematic framework for using read-across to fill data gaps for food and feed chemicals.
Read-across is a powerful New Approach Methodology (NAM) that predicts the toxicological properties of a data-poor substance (the target) by using data from a structurally and mechanistically similar one (the source). This approach is not only scientifically sound but also supports the principles of the 3Rs by reducing the need for animal testing.
You can access the full guidance here: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9586
The new EFSA guidance provides a structured, chapter-by-chapter workflow that standardizes the read-across process. It details every step, from problem formulation and source substance identification to data gap filling and a critical uncertainty assessment. This comprehensive approach ensures that read-across arguments are transparent, scientifically justified, and robust enough for regulatory acceptance.
A key highlight of the guidance is its emphasis on integrating data from NAMs to strengthen read-across justifications. This reflects the increasing global trend toward modern, non-animal methods in regulatory science.
Our Commitment to Excellence: Why Our Training is the Right Choice
We are proud to share that the principles and structured workflow detailed in this new EFSA guidance are the same as those we've been teaching in our training. This new document from EFSA validates our methodology, proving that our approach is perfectly aligned with the most current and authoritative regulatory guidance.
Our course, "NAMs - Use and application of QSAR and read-across" provides you with the practical, hands-on knowledge you need to apply these principles effectively. We cover the entire read-across process, from identifying suitable sources to rigorously justifying your conclusions, just as the EFSA guidance recommends.
By enrolling in our training, you will be equipped to conduct read-across assessments that are not only scientifically sound but also prepared to meet the high standards of regulatory bodies like EFSA.
Stay ahead in your field by learning the methodologies that are shaping the future of chemical safety assessment.
Learn more and register for our course here: https://courses.toxnavigation.com/course/nams
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