The European Food Safety Authority has extended the pilot phase of its support initiative for applicants from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The extension follows the recent publication of new EFSA scientific guidance documents for feed additives and the upcoming possible adoption of the Commission Implementing Regulation on novel food applications.
Since last June, SMEs preparing applications in the areas of feed additives and novel foods (excluding traditional food) have been able to request an administrative check of their draft dossiers by EFSA prior to the official submission. This pilot has now been extended until 23 February 2018.
According to the procedure, SMEs can send a draft version of the dossier to EFSA. The Authority then checks the format and its compliance with the relevant regulatory framework and EFSA guidance documents. The support is provided via teleconference, during which EFSA staff highlight potential issues to be solved before the official submission of the application. Scientific questions, advice and assessments remain outside the scope of the initiative.