EFSA Opinion on Welfare of Beef Cattle 2025

# EFSA Opinion on Welfare of Beef Cattle 2025

EFSA releases scientific opinion on welfare of beef cattle, covering husbandry systems, housing conditions, nutrition, and breeding strategies.

This development is of particular importance for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of food supplements in the European and international markets. The new regulations require a careful review of existing product portfolios and possibly extensive adjustments in formulation and labeling.

Background and Regulatory Context The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an agency of the European Union established in 2002 as an independent source for scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain. EFSA provides scientific opinions and advice as a basis for European legislation and policy measures. Its assessments are decisive for the European Commission and member states in decision-making regarding the authorization of substances, health claims, and maximum levels.

The current opinion fits into a larger regulatory context characterized by increasing harmonization efforts at the EU level and simultaneously stricter safety requirements. Manufacturers must adapt to a dynamic regulatory landscape in which scientific findings are quickly translated into legal requirements.

Key Messages and Essential Changes The main points of the current opinion can be summarized as follows:

Scientific Basis: The recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence and consider current studies on the safety and efficacy of the affected ingredients. Both toxicological data and consumption studies from various population groups are taken into account.

Adjustment of Maximum Levels: Where applicable, new maximum levels for certain vitamins, minerals, or other substances are proposed. These are oriented to the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) and consider the average intake from a normal diet.

Labeling Requirements: New or clarified requirements for product labeling aim to better inform consumers and protect against overdosing. This may include warning notices, consumption recommendations, or indications for risk groups.

Transition Periods: Generally, appropriate transition periods are granted to allow manufacturers to adapt their products and labels. These periods vary depending on the type and extent of the required changes.

Impact for Manufacturers and Distributors The new regulations have far-reaching practical consequences for the industry:

Product Formulation: Existing formulations must be reviewed for compliance with the new requirements. In many cases, dosage adjustments are necessary, which may also entail stability studies and possibly new approval procedures. High-dose products and combination preparations are particularly affected.

Labeling and Packaging: Product labels must be updated to comply with the new requirements. This includes not only adjusting quantity information but often also adding additional warning notices or consumption recommendations. Multilingual labels for the European market increase complexity.

Quality Assurance: Documentation of compliance must be comprehensive. This requires robust QA systems to ensure that all batches meet current requirements. Regular internal audits and employee training are essential.

Market Surveillance: Authorities are intensifying controls. Non-compliant products may be withdrawn from the market, which, in addition to financial losses, can also lead to reputational damage. A proactive compliance strategy is therefore economically advisable.

Concrete Recommendations for Action To ensure compliance and minimize risks, we recommend the following steps:

1. Immediate Inventory: Create a complete list of all affected products and systematically check them against the new requirements.

2. Prioritization: Identify products with the highest risk (e.g., exceeding new maximum levels) and address these as a priority.

3. Reformulation: Work closely with your development department to make necessary formulation changes. Also consider the effects on taste, stability, and bioavailability.

4. Regulatory Consultation: Engage food law experts to ensure that all changes comply with current regulations.

5. Supply Chain Management: Inform your suppliers about the new requirements and ensure that raw materials and intermediates are also compliant.

6. Communication Strategy: Prepare clear communication for customers and sales partners to professionally answer questions about product changes.

7. Documentation: Keep detailed records of all compliance measures. These are crucial during official inspections.

8. Continuous Monitoring: Establish a system for ongoing monitoring of regulatory developments to identify future changes early.

Legal Notice This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge but does not claim to be complete or accurate. Regulatory requirements may change and vary by member state. For specific legal questions and assessment of your individual situation, please consult a qualified attorney or compliance expert specializing in food and dietary supplement law.

Source and Further Information This article is based on the official statement: [EFSA: EFSA Opinion on Welfare of Beef Cattle 2025](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Welfare%20of%20beef_open%20webinar%2002_10_2025.pdf)

For detailed information and the full text of the opinion, please consult the original source. Supplement-Check.eu offers comprehensive tools for compliance checking of your products against current EU regulations.