The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated its list of microbiological agents recommended for the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status, assessing the suitability of taxonomic units notified to the authority up to March 2026. The update, published on 6 July 2026, covers 24 agents intentionally added to food or feed, providing a safety evaluation that streamlines market access for producers while maintaining consumer protection.
QPS is a system developed by EFSA to assess the safety of microorganisms used in the food and feed chain. Agents granted QPS status are presumed safe, reducing the need for full safety assessments for each new product. The updated list reflects EFSA's ongoing evaluation of new notifications and scientific evidence. The assessment considered the taxonomic identity, body of knowledge, and potential safety concerns for each agent. The statement does not specify which agents were added or removed, nor does it detail any changes in status compared to previous updates. EFSA's QPS list is regularly revised to incorporate new scientific data and industry notifications, serving as a reference for regulators and businesses. The update may impact producers of food and feed additives, who rely on QPS status to expedite product approvals. Consumer groups and national authorities may also use the list to verify the safety of marketed products. The next update is expected to cover notifications received after March 2026.