CIHEAM Zaragoza organized an ad-hoc training activity for officers from EFSA FEED Unit with the objective of enhancing their expertise on the assessment of the safety and efficacy of additives and products or substances used in animal feeds.

The training covered animal nutrition, physiology and production of food producing animals and pets (including feeding techniques, feed formulation, nutrient requirements, etc.) as well as design, conduct and evaluation of feeding trials, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism and residue studies and exposure assessment. For each of the curricula sections covered, the rationale, mode of action, current issues and new challenges were addressed. The most updated information was presented by recognised and leading experts in the field of animal feed additive risk assessment who are also familiar with EFSA risk assessment practices through their participation in FEEDAP and other EFSA panels.

Considering that FEED Unit staff are themselves experts in the area, this training offered a tailored syllabus in order to expand the collective knowledge and expertise of FEED staff about additives, based on prior informative feedback from staff members on their needs (gaps, strengths, weaknesses. etc.), expectations and ambitions for their further and continous training through this course.

Furthermore, an applied and intensive hands-on field training experience is programmed for the end of the year, where staff members will not only see and absorb activities at real-life production and assessment sites but will also have the chance to hear from the technical staff carrying out such tasks.