EFSA opens harvesting feathers from live geese consultation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) has launched an online public consultation on its draft scientific report on the practice of harvesting feathers from live geese for down production.
The consultation aims to gather the widest range of views to finalize the work and provide up-to-date and comprehensive scientific advice to European Union (EU) decision makers. The consultation follows a technical meeting with EU Member States and stakeholders held in May this year.
Interested parties are invited to submit written comments by Aug. 2, and an electronic template has been provided along with the draft report on the Authority’s website.
The final report is due for publication by the end of 2010.

Food safety pioneer to receive Alltech Medal of Excellence

Dr. David Byrne will receive Alltech’s 2009 Medal of Excellence at the company’s 25th International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in Lexington, Ky., May 17-20.
He will be honored for his commitment to food safety, including his EU safety system reforms. As European Commissioner, Dr. Byrne established a three-pillar strategy comprising: a full range of Food and Safety Laws; the setting up of a new independent European Food Safety Authority ; and the introduction of an effective control and enforcement mechanism.
Dr. Byrne currently serves as non-executive director of Alltech. As part of this role, he is a member of Alltech’s Risk Overview Committee.