The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is aiming to sharpen the lens on zoonotic diseases and other microbial threats with its newly published manual for 2025 reporting. This technical report details updated standards that will impact national food safety authorities, veterinary services, public health institutions, and the agri-food sector. The manual is poised to trigger reactions especially among public health stakeholders and food producers, as it sets the framework for how data on biological hazards must be documented and shared.
The manual was released on January 27, 2026, by EFSA, the European Union’s leading scientific agency specializing in risk assessment related to food and feed safety. It elaborates on practices mandated under Directive 2003/99/EC, aimed at monitoring zoonoses and zoonotic agents alongside certain other pathogenic microorganisms in food and animals.
As a technical report, this document serves as a detailed instruction guide rather than new legislation. It does not introduce new legal requirements but provides concrete methodologies and protocols for consistent and accurate data collection and reporting. The report sets clear expectations for harmonized information submission across member states, including timelines and categorization of pathogens, thus creating a more synchronized EU-wide surveillance network.
The policy orientation reflects an increase in regulatory oversight and data transparency concerning microbial threats in the food chain. It strengthens collaboration among national authorities and EFSA but stops short of expanding the scope of mandatory reporting beyond the current Directive. The manual prioritizes quality and consistency in reporting which may raise operational demands on national agencies but is expected to enhance the early detection and management of zoonotic risks.
Regarding impact, national authorities bear moderate additional workload and technology investments to align with the manual's protocols. Food producers and veterinary sectors could face indirect pressure to ensure compliance with stricter surveillance. Public health bodies gain from improved data for risk assessment and intervention strategies. Consumers ultimately benefit through potentially higher food safety standards though these improvements come at the cost of increased regulatory activities.
Institutionally, this manual represents a continuation of ongoing efforts to align zoonoses surveillance in the EU. EFSA's publication is likely to prompt national authorities to adjust their practices accordingly, while European Commission bodies responsible for health and food safety may use these standards as a baseline for future policy discussions or updates to Directive 2003/99/EC.
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